US trade unions push for worker protections as AI use grows

In short: Trade unions in the US are increasingly trying to negotiate rules for how employers use AI at work, because they fear job losses and heavier workloads.

What's going on

Trade unions say more employers are using AI to reduce costs by cutting roles or not replacing workers who leave. Tyler Turner, president of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), told the Financial Times that some companies are using AI as a “labour-cutting” tool.

Turner said the impact is mixed. Some junior jobs may be disappearing or getting harder to enter, but many people still in administrative and office roles are getting more work. He said AI can handle certain tasks, but when something is unclear or goes wrong, a person has to fix it, like a self-checkout machine that still needs staff when it makes a mistake.

This is also feeding anxiety among younger people entering the workforce. Turner pointed to a tough job market and concerns about the environmental impact of AI data centres, which are large buildings full of computers that run AI systems.

What to watch

Unions are increasingly focusing on contracts that require employers to talk with workers before rolling out AI, and to provide training if job tasks change. Turner said the goal is to make sure AI does not shrink the group of jobs covered by a union agreement, and that any changes come with clear written protections. Watch for more workplaces where AI rules become part of union negotiations, especially in office and professional jobs where AI tools are being adopted quickly.

Source: Financial Times