(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Forty organizations - including several major Labor Organizations, led by the Economic Policy Institute, have delivered a letter to Congress that urges Federal Lawmakers to center Workers in Federal Artificial Intelligence (AI) legislation. 

A number of Labor Organizations signed the letter, including: The National AFL-CIO; The AFL-CIO Tech Institute; The American Federation of Teachers; The American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees; The Communications Workers of America; The National Association of Voice Actors; The Service Employees International Union; The United Food & Commercial Workers; and The Writers Guild of America West.

Their letter read:

Dear Member of Congress: 

Employers’ increasing use of AI systems has the potential to affect the lives and livelihoods of Workers across the country.

Without appropriate guardrails, employers’ integration of these technologies may jeopardize Workers’ rights, put Workers at risk of discrimination, violate privacy rights, and dramatically impact the economic stability of Working Families.

These risks posed by technological change are not new. 

For years, employers have used algorithmic or automated systems and similar technologies in ways that harm Workers.

Now, the pervasive and growing integration of AI into the workplace is amplifying these risks.

These impacts on Workers are further exacerbated by persistent power imbalances in the labor market that favor employers. 

It is urgent that Congress take action. 

It has been nearly two years since the Bipartisan Senate AI Working Group released its roadmap for AI policy, but the Senate has yet to consider comprehensive legislation.

AI adoption is moving forward at breakneck speed and America’s Workers cannot afford to wait. 

We applaud members of Congress who have introduced Worker-focused legislation addressing issues like Civil Rights, surveillance in the workplace and improvements to labor market data.

Efforts at broader Federal reform must also center the impacts of AI on Workers.

Under these circumstances, we urge the newly formed House Democratic Commission on AI and the Innovation Economy to center the recommendations of members with expertise in Workers’ need for strong labor protections and AI’s impact on the economy. 

The urgency of this moment is further compounded by the Trump Administration’s decision to prioritize corporate capture over the public good.

To Continue Reading This Letter, Go To: Forty organizations call on Congress to center workers in federal AI legislation | Economic Policy Institute