Facing the AI Future: A Call to Action for Union Leaders

Troy Swanson, legislative chair of the Cook County College Teachers Union, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his report "Facing the AI Future: A Call to Action for Union Leaders." Swanson explored the potential impact of AI on jobs, the need for union preparedness and strategies to protect workers during this technological transition.

Swanson emphasized the urgency for unions to address AI's impact on the workforce. He cited predictions that up to 30 percent of current work hours could be automated within five years, potentially affecting both blue-collar and white-collar jobs. Swanson stressed the importance of unions being proactive in shaping AI implementation to protect workers, communities and institutions from further economic inequality.

The report outlines several strategies for unions to address AI challenges. These include advocating for "human in the loop" requirements to ensure key decisions are made by people, negotiating for retraining programs and securing advance notice of AI implementation in workplaces. Swanson highlighted successful legislative action in Illinois mandating that only human faculty can award course credits in community colleges, demonstrating the potential for unions to shape AI policy.

Swanson called for a broader conversation within the labor movement about AI's impact. He emphasized the need for union leaders at all levels to envision how work might change and to develop strategies for negotiating these changes. Swanson urged unions to help shape AI's implementation rather than allowing tech billionaires to dictate its future. He stressed the opportunity to create more meaningful work while protecting jobs.

Listen to the full episode to hear more about Swanson's thoughts on AI and the labor movement's response.