US Public Workers Push Back Against AI and Win Job Protections

At a glance

Workers at US cities and public agencies are asking unions to protect them from job losses and surveillance caused by AI. Oakland's city government and its union reached a tentative deal that called off a planned strike.

Key points

1. 1

   Oakland union members voted 94.1% in favor of authorizing a strike on October 22.

2. 2

   The city and union agreed to a tentative three-year deal that retrains or reassigns workers displaced by AI instead of firing them.

3. 3

   A survey found that nearly 70% of state and local government agencies have adopted or are adopting generative AI.

4. 4

   Researchers warn about 'bossware,' AI tools that monitor and rate employees.

Why it matters

Public agencies serve everyday citizens, so the AI rules set there could become a model for other workplaces.