SACRAMENTO — National union leaders on Wednesday called on California Governor Gavin Newsom to enact protections for workers facing potential displacement or surveillance due to artificial intelligence. The leaders also suggested a response to the issue could impact the governor’s future political aspirations.
Legislative Push for Worker Protections
Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California Federation of Labor Unions, stated, “This is a priority for the entire nation.” She argued that Governor Newsom must address the concerns surrounding AI, Big Tech, and their influence, and that delaying action in California could invite scrutiny on a national stage. The federation is sponsoring a package of bills intended to limit the use of AI and safeguard worker rights.
The proposed legislation includes:
- Senate Bill 947, which would mandate human oversight in disciplinary or termination decisions informed by algorithms.
- Senate Bill 951, requiring employers to provide 90 days’ notice to workers and government entities before AI-related layoffs affecting 25 or more employees, or 25% of the workforce. Layoffs at companies like Amazon, Expedia, and Pinterest have been linked to AI.
- Assembly Bill 1331, dubbed “No bosses in the bathroom,” which would allow workers to disable surveillance tools in bathrooms and other private areas, with a $500 penalty for violations.
Concerns Over Corporate Influence
Gonzalez expressed skepticism about negotiating with businesses, stating, “We are not going to be able to achieve guardrails by working with bosses who want no guardrails.” She urged the governor to directly engage with workers, claiming current AI discussions are dominated by industry lobbyists.
Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, joined Gonzalez, along with labor leaders from Iowa, Georgia, North Carolina, and Nevada, calling the situation a “crisis” and stating that workers are “not prepared.” A joint letter to Newsom emphasized the importance of “dignity in human work” and warned against leaving the future of the economy to “unchecked whims of profit driven technology corporations.”
A spokesperson for Governor Newsom, Tara Gallegos, stated the governor has a “strong record of fighting for workers’ rights” and has already taken a “comprehensive, worker-centered approach to AI.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Senate Bill 951?
Senate Bill 951 would require employers to provide 90 days’ advance notice to workers and state and local governments before implementing AI-related layoffs affecting 25 or more workers, or 25% of the workforce.
What does Assembly Bill 1331, or “No bosses in the bathroom,” aim to do?
Assembly Bill 1331 would allow workers to remove workplace surveillance tools when entering bathrooms or other designated private areas, and would impose a $500 penalty on employers for violations.
What concerns did union leaders express regarding Governor Newsom’s approach to AI?
Union leaders argued that Governor Newsom’s AI discussions have been dominated by representatives from the AI and Big Tech industries, and that he needs to directly engage with workers to understand their concerns.
As California lawmakers consider these bills, it is possible that other states may follow suit, potentially leading to a broader national conversation about the regulation of AI in the workplace. It is also possible that the bills will be amended or fail to pass, leaving the future of worker protections in the face of AI uncertain.
