MINNEAPOLIS — The AFL-CIO constitutional convention convened in Minneapolis, where Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, spoke about worker inclusion in technological innovation. This convention, held every four years, addresses issues relevant to the federation's 65 unions, which represent 15 million workers.
During her address, Shuler discussed the future of artificial intelligence and its integration into the workforce. She noted the potential for two approaches to this technological transition: one driven by rapid implementation without worker input, and another that involves collaboration and worker inclusion from the outset. "If we're going to chart the course for an AI future, it could be done pedal to the metal, slash and burn, no voice, no inclusion, imposing Silicon Valley's will on the economy without any guardrails, or you could partner together, get workers in the lab and develop technology for a workplace with the input of the people who actually do the work," Shuler said.
"I don't think we can point to one industrial transition that's gone well. The last time, when trade laws basically offshored most production, we did not have a plan, we did not include workers' voices, and we left them behind. Why are we not learning from that?" Shuler said. The AFL-CIO opposes several measures, including executive orders removing federal bargaining rights, reductions in agency workforces, immigration enforcement operations, changes to healthcare funding, and restrictions on organizing and striking rights.
Shuler said business leaders should trust workers' understanding of workplace operations. Corporate profits have increased while the share of gross domestic product allocated to U.S. worker compensation has decreased. U.S. companies spent $1.7 billion last year on initiatives to prevent union formation. A poll conducted by Gallup indicates that approximately 70 percent of Americans support labor unions.
No independent assessment of Liz Shuler’s claims was available.