The AFL-CIO is currently drafting a comprehensive legislative package regarding artificial intelligence that leadership hopes to see enacted by lawmakers during the next session of Congress. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler outlined the initiative, describing the forthcoming measure as the labor federation’s highest legislative priority.
The proposed bill is designed to address multiple facets of emerging technology, specifically targeting worker protections, privacy, data safeguards, and broader economic consequences. The legislative effort comes as organized labor navigates complex technological shifts that have created widespread anxiety among workers regarding job security and workplace stability.
Alongside the legislative drafting process, union leadership has utilized artificial intelligence tools this election cycle to assist with voter mobilization efforts. At the same time, the physical infrastructure supporting artificial intelligence—particularly power-hungry data centers—has generated local community pushback and internal divisions within labor ranks.
Addressing the friction surrounding physical infrastructure, Shuler distinguished between localized opposition to data centers and the broader, more politically consequential issue of AI-driven job displacement. While data centers face public scrutiny over resource consumption and neighborhood impacts, Shuler indicated that the facilities will continue to be developed, emphasizing the importance of securing union representation and high standards for construction and operation.
Worker anxiety surrounding rapid technological transformation in the workplace has intensified notably since June. According to union leadership, the mounting uncertainty over automation and employment displacement is poised to exert an even greater influence on national politics moving forward.
