Microsoft Corporation has forged a partnership with American labor unions to foster an “open dialogue” aimed at understanding the implications of artificial intelligence on the future workforce.
Based in Redmond, Washington, the tech behemoth has collaborated with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, a federation encompassing 60 labor unions representing 12.5 million workers, as disclosed in an official statement by Redmond on Monday.
Emphasizing the importance of this venture, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler highlighted the critical role of workers in advancing, implementing, and overseeing AI and related technologies. She hailed the partnership as both “groundbreaking” and “historic.”
The core objective of the alliance is to share in-depth insights with labor leaders and jointly explore AI technology trends. Microsoft will facilitate the incorporation of worker viewpoints and expertise in the development of AI technology, ultimately influencing public policies that address the technological needs of frontline workers.
Moreover, the collaboration includes an agreement with Microsoft to establish a neutral framework for future worker organizing by AFL-CIO affiliate unions. This framework is committed to upholding employees’ rights to unionize, fostering constructive labor-management relationships, and negotiating collective bargaining agreements that safeguard workers’ interests amid rapid technological progress, as outlined in Microsoft’s press release.
The partnership will also concentrate on initiatives such as providing AI education for workers and students, engaging in joint policy advocacy, and enhancing skills. Both parties recognize the potential of AI to enhance job functions by complementing work rather than displacing workers’ autonomy and responsibilities, as underscored in Microsoft’s press release.
Given the widespread impact of AI across diverse industries and the looming specter of substantial job displacement, workers have voiced concerns about their livelihoods. According to AFL-CIO surveys, almost 70% of workers harbor fears about being replaced by AI.
