The American workforce is standing at a crossroads, as artificial intelligence and automation rapidly transform the landscape of employment. For decades, unions have relied on the collective power of workers to negotiate better wages, benefits, and working conditions. But what happens when machines and algorithms threaten to replace not just repetitive tasks, but entire categories of jobs?
This is the existential question facing US labor unions today. As Aaron Novik, a key organizer with Amazon's ALU union, puts it, "As laborers, the ability to withhold our labor is one of our only tools to improve our lives. What happens when that disappears to AI?" The concern is not just theoretical—automation has already reshaped industries since the 1960s, often reducing workforce numbers. Now, with the rise of advanced "physical AI," the potential for job displacement is greater than ever, reaching beyond manufacturing into white-collar sectors as well.
The Expanding Threat of AI
Recent warnings from industry leaders, like the CEO of Anthropic, suggest that generative AI could eliminate up to half of all low-skilled white-collar jobs, potentially driving unemployment rates to unprecedented levels. This looming threat has galvanized unions such as the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, who see the potential displacement of workers as a pressing issue for both their members and the public at large.
Legislative Battles and Political Hurdles
To counteract the spread of automation, unions have thrown their support behind legislation aimed at limiting the deployment of technologies like autonomous trucks. However, these efforts have met stiff resistance. In California and Colorado, governors have vetoed bills that would have banned autonomous trucks from public roads, despite strong lobbying from union members. Similar legislative battles are unfolding in other states, highlighting the complex political landscape unions must navigate.
At the federal level, the approach to AI and worker protections has shifted with changes in administration. Under President Biden, the Department of Labor encouraged transparency and worker involvement in AI-related decisions. However, these protections were quickly rolled back under President Trump, leaving unions concerned about the lack of safeguards for workers.
Proactive Union Strategies
Despite these challenges, some unions are taking proactive steps. The Communications Workers of America (CWA), for example, has published guides urging negotiators to include AI provisions in collective bargaining agreements and is developing educational toolkits to help members understand and negotiate around AI implementation. A handful of unions have successfully negotiated AI protections into contracts, such as moratoriums on full automation in port operations and guarantees for actors regarding the use of their AI likenesses.
These victories, while significant, are still the exception rather than the rule. Most unions face a slow, contract-by-contract process to secure improvements, and the American labor movement as a whole lacks the bargaining power of more strategic or high-profile sectors.
Actionable Takeaways for Workers
- Stay informed about AI trends and how they may impact your industry.
- Participate in union activities and discussions about AI and automation.
- Advocate for contract provisions that address AI implementation and worker protections.
- Seek out educational resources and training to adapt to new technologies.
- Collaborate with colleagues to ensure a collective voice in negotiations.
A Future Shaped by Collaboration
It's important to note that unions are not seeking to halt technological progress. As Virginia Doellgast, a labor relations expert at Cornell University, observes, "Workers are usually not seeking to stop the march of technology. They just want to have some control." The challenge ahead is finding ways for workers and unions to have a meaningful say in how AI is integrated into the workplace, ensuring that innovation benefits everyone—not just a select few.
Summary of Key Points
- AI and automation are accelerating job displacement across industries, raising existential concerns for unions.
- Legislative efforts to limit automation face significant political obstacles at both state and federal levels.
- Some unions are proactively negotiating AI protections and developing educational resources for members.
- Successes in securing AI-related worker protections remain limited but offer valuable models.
- Workers can take action by staying informed, participating in union efforts, and advocating for their rights in the face of technological change.