The AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations) and Microsoft have partnered to foster an open dialogue regarding the development and implementation of AI technology. This collaboration marks the first of its kind between a labor organization and a technology company, with a specific focus on AI.
The three main objectives of this partnership are: sharing comprehensive information on AI technology trends with labor leaders and workers; incorporating the perspectives and expertise of workers into the development of AI technology; and contributing to the formulation of public policies that align with the technological skills and needs of frontline workers.
"This partnership reflects a recognition of the critical role workers play in the development, deployment and regulation of AI and related technologies. The labor movement looks forward to partnering with Microsoft to expand workers' role in the creation of worker-centered design, workforce training and trustworthy AI practices. Microsoft's neutrality framework and embrace of workers' expertise signals that this new era of AI can also catalyze a new era of productive labor-management partnerships," said Liz Shuler, President, AFL-CIO.
In addition to this, the partnership builds on the historic neutrality agreement negotiated by the Communications Workers of America Union (CWA) with Microsoft, which covers video game workers at Activision and Zenimax. An integral component of this collaboration is an agreement with Microsoft that establishes a neutrality framework for potential future worker organizing efforts by AFL-CIO affiliate unions.
"By working directly with labor leaders, we can help ensure that AI serves the country's workers. This groundbreaking partnership honors the rights of workers, learns from the advice of labor leaders as we develop technology, and helps us provide people with the skills that will become essential in a new AI era." said Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft.
Providing AI education for workers and students
Microsoft will offer formal learning opportunities to labor leaders and workers, focusing on the latest and potential advancements in AI. Beginning in the winter of 2024, Microsoft's AI experts will conduct learning sessions, providing insights into AI's workings, future developments, opportunities, and challenges. This initiative will include on-demand digital resources accessible online. Microsoft and the American Federation of Teachers, will explore opportunities for career and technical education to prepare students for future high-paying jobs.
Shared feedback from workers
Additionally, a mechanism will be established for labor leaders and workers to share their experiential insights, concerns, and feedback directly with Microsoft's AI developers. The idea is to create a "worker-centered technology." This collaborative effort will begin with Microsoft-hosted labor summits, bringing together labor leaders and workers with key AI product developers, researchers, and business leaders.
Policy and skills development
The AFL-CIO and Microsoft will propose and support policies in the areas of AI and workforce legislation. This includes advocating for essential skills, knowledge, and economic support for workers to thrive in an AI-powered economy. They will support the expansion of registered apprenticeships, especially in nontraditional tech occupations, and seek funding for Career and Technical Education. On the AI curriculum front, LinkedIn Generative AI content will be customized for sectors most impacted by AI, and both organizations will jointly develop and implement new content and professional learning opportunities.
Both partners recognize the potential of AI to enhance jobs if used to augment work rather than diminish workers' agency and responsibilities. Concerns about AI replacement and the desire to delegate tasks to AI are acknowledged, with the aim of ensuring a transition to an AI-assisted future that centers on workers' voices. The labor-tech partnership between Microsoft and the AFL-CIO is intended to empower workers in the process and address their needs effectively.
Elsewhere, Microsoft, Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic came together to form an industry body focused on ensuring the safe and responsible development of frontier AI models.
