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AFL-CIO Pushing State-Level AI Protections, Back to School Union Made

Alec Wilcosky
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Here's what you need to know this week:
 


 


 

AFL-CIO Pushing for State-Level AI Protections

See an update from the AFL-CIO Tech Institute below. You can subscribe to receive updates here.

New Resource: State Policy Resource Highlights Critical Workplace AI Safeguards
Across the country, state lawmakers are stepping up to create commonsense guardrails that protect workers from the harms of unchecked technology in the workplace. From data privacy to job displacement tracking, states are working to establish vital legal protections—even as federal preemption proposals threaten to override state authority and leave working people vulnerable.

We just released our new issue brief, States Are Acting to Protect Workers, which details the comprehensive range of policy protections being advanced at the state level:

  • Data Privacy & Transparency: Mandating notice and boundaries on workplace monitoring and employee data collection.

  • Automated Decision Systems: Requiring human oversight to prevent dangers like unreasonable work intensification or algorithmic bias in hiring, scheduling, and wages.

  • Surveillance Pricing & Wages: Prohibiting the use of personalized data collection to manipulate wages and consumer pricing.

  • Whistleblower Protections: Safeguarding workers who report critical AI safety risks from retaliation.

  • Displacement Safeguards: Keeping essential human roles protected and tracking tech-driven layoffs.

  • Intellectual Property Protections: Preventing AI deepfakes and unauthorized use of worker voice, image, and likeness.

  • Public Sector Guardrails: Regulating government AI procurement to protect public benefits, civil rights, and privacy.

State-level action is critical right now to set a strong floor for worker safety across the country. Explore the full issue brief here.


 

Engaging State and Federal Lawmakers
On July 16, the AFL-CIO Tech Institute joined The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, AFT, AFSCME, and 25 other organizations to urge Congress to make civil rights the foundation of any comprehensive AI legislation. The letter demands that lawmakers hold tech companies accountable when their AI discriminates, guarantee fair access to high-quality training for workers impacted by AI, and require mandatory checks for bias.

This joint effort builds on our direct engagement with both state and federal lawmakers:

  • On July 10, the Institute’s Policy & Programs Director Crystal Weise participated in the 2026 Future Summit with the Future Caucus, meeting with young bipartisan state lawmakers to discuss the importance of using state authority to regulate unsafe AI.

  • On July 13, Executive Director Lauren McFerran and National Nurses United member Julia Truelove visited the U.S. Capitol, where they met with members of Congress to advocate for concrete protections against AI harms and to ensure worker voices remain centered in AI policies.

As the policy landscape shifts, we will continue to educate policymakers on the realities of AI in the workplace and ensure that workers remain the architects of innovation.

TI in the News
While employers rush to deploy unchecked AI in the workplace, union contracts are proving to be the strongest shield working people have on the job. A recent article in Axios details collective bargaining across the country wins while featuring insights from AFL-CIO Tech Institute Executive Director Lauren McFerran on the state of federal policy—where legislative progress faces an uphill battle against massive corporate lobbying budgets.


 


 


 

Union Made Back to School Supply List


 


 

 


 

 

Here's What's Coming Up:
 

 


 


 

8/13: AFGE Congressional Townhall

Please note that this event was originally scheduled for August 11, and it has been changed to August 13.


 


 


 


 

8/15: Tampa Palms "Bring it On" Canvass - Knock for Brian Nathan, Luis Viera, and Neil Manimala

Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 15! You can knock for three endorsed candidates at once. See the flyer below for information.



 


 


 

9/7: WCFLC Labor Day Picnics

Tampa

Union's may pre-purchase meal tickets for $15 members; contact Field Rep Alec Wilcosky by replying to this email for more info. Tickets will be available for purchase on site for $20 via credit, debit, or cash. We are also looking for volunteers for 90-minute shifts with set-up, parking, ticket table, ticket takers, and tear-down. Please reply to this email if you wish to sign up for a shift.

Lupton's will once again be catering the event: BBQ pork and chicken plus baked beans, coleslaw, mac 'n' cheese, and garlic bread. Drinks include lemonade, tea, and beer.

We will have face painting, inflatables, and a water slide for kids (bring towels!)

Finally, ahead of November's Midterm election, we will hear from our endorsed candidates for office. View a full endorsement list here.

If you wish to share full details about this event, feel free to share our Mobilize link: https://bit.ly/laborday26

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Sarasota

WCFLC's Coalition of Manasota Unions is organizing a celebration at Fogartyville. Expect comradery with fellow union members, a performance from union musicians, lunch, and hear updates from union members on their unions' wins.


 


 



 

That's all for this week! Check out our website at wcflc.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updates.