National AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler has released the following statement: Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just attend watch parties for the great snacks, 124.9 million tuned in to watch the Super Bowl - the second-most-watched show in U.S. History (with an extra 3.3 million joining just to watch Bad Bunny’s performance at halftime). The annual matchup is also known for its big-budget commercials. This year, people noticed something odd about the ads: There was a lot of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In fact, nearly 1 in 4 of the commercials played this year were either selling AI products or used AI in the ad itself. And for the most part, people really didn’t like them. That reaction really isn’t much of a surprise to us. Working People have been sounding the alarm about how Tech Billionaires and Corporate CEOs are deploying AI Technology in our workplaces. The Labor Movement has a plan to center Workers in this transition. In 2025, the AFL-CIO released our Workers First Initiative on AI, the first comprehensive Labor Movement agenda outlining how emergent new technology should be developed and regulated to the benefit of Workers and their families. Despite the lighthearted, upbeat tone AI companies tried to sell us in between field goals, Workers are clear in our demands for responsible and common-sense guardrails to protect our jobs, health care, public services and futures.

Meanwhile, and earlier this month in Sacramento, California - the Labor Movement called on State Governments in California and around the country to protect Workers’ jobs, rights and freedoms from being taken away by AI. 

National AFL-CIO President Shuler joined California Federation of Labor Unions President Lorena Gonzalez, Iowa Federation of Labor President Charlie Wishman, Nevada State AFL-CIO Executive Secretary-Treasurer Susie Martinez, Georgia State AFL-CIO President Yvonne Brooks and North Carolina State AFL-CIO President Braxton Winston II for a press conference at the California State Capitol to highlight the existential risks AI poses to Workers and to call on Elected Officials to take action.

The Labor Leaders highlighted how the explosion of AI across the economy is enriching Tech Billionaires while jeopardizing Workers’ livelihoods by potentially eliminating or worsening jobs, threatening Worker safety and privacy, and infringing on Civil and Labor Rights. 

The California Labor Federation has been fighting for common-sense AI guardrails to protect Workers, including a Bill preventing AI “robot-bosses” from firing Workers without human oversight.

Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed last year’s Bill even after it passed both chambers of the State Legislature with strong support.

Shuler and the other Labor Leaders emphasized AI is a top issue for voters across the political spectrum and that any candidate seeking the support of Working People must stand with Workers on sensible AI guardrails.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: Labor Leaders Call on State Governments to Protect Workers from AI | AFL-CIO