Nearly 70% of US Agencies Use Generative AI as Unions Push for Safeguards

At a glance

US public-sector unions are winning more protections against AI surveillance and job losses from automation. A survey found that nearly 70% of US government agencies already use generative AI, which creates new content like text and images.

Key points

1. 1

   In Oakland, a union secured retraining programs instead of AI-related layoffs.

2. 2

   Pennsylvania's governor guaranteed human oversight during a ChatGPT Enterprise pilot.

3. 3

   California's governor banned AI surveillance software and automated firings in September.

4. 4

   New York has protected state employees from AI-driven job displacement by law since late 2025.

Why it matters

As AI spreads through public services and workplaces, the rules that protect workers affect many people's daily lives directly.