Administrative Director for the Communication Workers of America District 4, Frank Mathews, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the neutrality agreement between Microsoft and the CWA. Mathews also discussed the work CWA has done with AI integrations in the workforce and the progress of the BEAD program.
Microsoft recently announced they have signed a neutrality agreement with the CWA for workers at ZineMax Media, the video game production company that produces popular video games like Doom and Fallout. This tentative agreement covers several workplace issues, including artificial intelligence protections. Mathews outlined the full coverage for AI and implementation at the studio.
There have been growing concerns about implementing artificial intelligence in several industries. To get ahead, unions like the CWA have been ensuring they have worker protections in place in new contracts for future AI implementation. Some of their bargaining units are already working with AI day-to-day, and to help with the contract negotiations, the CWA created a committee to outline regulations for new contracts.
Several states have been working to develop their Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program plan to receive funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. States can receive at least $100 million in funding to spread the reach of broadband internet. The CWA has been working to educate and assist in developing the plans for several states. Mathews discussed the importance of using high-road employers, providing proper pay and ensuring the job is done correctly.
Listen to more from Mathews by pressing play on the episode above.