AFL-CIO, Microsoft met for AI Labor Summit

Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to speak about an Artificial Intelligence Summit with Microsoft, high-speed rail projects and the Department of Labor’s Century of Service Honor Roll of American Labor Organizations.

Regan spoke about an AI Labor Summit between AFL-CIO leaders and Microsoft executives, that took place two weeks ago at Microsoft Headquarters in Seattle. The summit discussed how AI can be an asset to workers and not a detriment to the workforce. He said more discussions are needed to figure out how this new technology can benefit workers and not replace them.

Regan then discussed a high-speed rail summit in Long Island, N.Y., he recently attended alongside other labor leaders and industry partners to discuss the progress of the high-speed rail industry. There are now well-defined projects with money involved across the country, he said. This makes it easier to push and build momentum in support of high-speed rail. Thanks to this progress, the industry will soon be able to better position itself from detractors. Regan believes the industry is getting to a point where a person can go for a ride on a high-speed train and see if it is a worthwhile investment in public money. 

Regan also spoke about the DOL’s Century of Service Honor Roll of American Labor Organizations, which honored nine international or National Unions that are at least 100 years old. He attended the Sept. 17 event along with AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond and leaders from those labor unions that represent nearly 3 million members. Regan explained how this event is the DOL’s version of its Hall of Fame. He said Acting DOL Secretary Julie Su views the unions’ longevity as an accomplishment and worth celebrating, which Regan called refreshing. 

Listen to the show above to hear more from Regan.