Forging a New Alliance for AI and Labor Microsoft Corporation is embarking on a pioneering journey with American labor unions to explore and address the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the workforce. In a significant move, the tech giant has joined forces with the American Federation of Labour and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), which represents 60 unions and 12.5 million workers. This collaboration is aimed at fostering an open dialogue to understand and shape how AI will transform the labor landscape.

A Groundbreaking Collaboration The partnership, hailed as “groundbreaking” and “historic” by AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, is centered around integrating worker perspectives in the development and regulation of AI technologies. Microsoft’s alliance with the AFL-CIO is a recognition of the indispensable role workers play in the AI era. The collaboration will involve sharing detailed information about AI trends with labor leaders, ensuring that the worker’s voice and expertise are integral to AI’s evolution.

Commitment to Workers’ Rights and AI Education A key aspect of this partnership is the establishment of a neutral framework by Microsoft, supporting the AFL-CIO affiliate unions in worker organizing. This framework is dedicated to upholding workers’ rights to unionize and fostering positive labor-management relations. Additionally, the alliance aims to facilitate AI education for workers and students, contribute to joint policy-making, and focus on skills development.

Addressing Workers’ Concerns in the Age of AI In a time when AI’s rapid expansion raises concerns about job security and worker displacement, this alliance is particularly significant. With AFL-CIO polls indicating that nearly 70% of workers fear being replaced by AI, the partnership between Microsoft and AFL-CIO is a proactive step towards ensuring that AI augments rather than diminishes the role of workers, emphasizing the technology’s potential to enhance jobs and empower the workforce.

In summary, Microsoft’s collaboration with AFL-CIO represents a critical initiative to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the workforce, aiming to create policies and practices that benefit workers in this evolving technological landscape.

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SOURCE: Microsoft to team up with American labour unions to discuss the impact of AI on workers | Mint (livemint.com)