Workers Push Back On Artificial Intelligence
07. April 2026How Labour Movements Can Rebalance Power in the Tech Sector
A new study from Rutgers University shows that growing numbers of workers in the United States are actively organizing around the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven technologies in the workplace. The findings point to a shift in how labour movements are responding to rapid technological change—and their potential to shape it.
The research draws in part on the 2023 collective agreement of the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), reached after a major strike that brought AI-related concerns to the forefront.
Landmark agreement after historic strike
The SAG-AFTRA strike lasted 118 days in 2023 and targeted major film studios and streaming platforms. The resulting agreement delivered more than $1 billion in gains for union members and, significantly, included the union’s first-ever protections related to AI.
This agreement is widely seen as a turning point, demonstrating that it is possible to negotiate clear safeguards around emerging technologies and their impact on workers.
The study highlights how public discourse—shaped largely by technology companies and media narratives—often presents AI as inevitable and beyond influence. According to the researchers, this “common sense” framing weakens workers’ bargaining power.
At the same time, it obscures the reality that AI systems depend on vast networks of human labour across global supply chains. Recognizing this opens new opportunities for building international labour solidarity and collective action.
Lack of regulation remains a key challenge
One of the central challenges identified in the study is the lack of clear legal frameworks governing AI in the workplace. This creates uncertainty around what can be negotiated and how workers’ rights can be protected.
Key concerns include:
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consent over the use of data and likeness
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compensation for intellectual property
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risks of discrimination embedded in data-driven systems
Without stronger regulation, unions face an uneven playing field when negotiating with powerful tech companies.
A path forward for organised labour
Despite these challenges, the research points to concrete ways labour movements can strengthen their position. These include:
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forming worker collectives focused on technology issues
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developing people-centred policies on AI deployment
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building alliances across sectors and borders
Such strategies can help ensure that workers have a real say in how technologies are introduced and used.
A call to act now
The message from the research is clear: organised labour has a critical role to play in shaping the future of work in the age of AI.
By stepping up efforts and leveraging collective power, unions can not only influence corporate practices but also push policymakers to adopt stronger, worker-focused regulations.
As technological change accelerates, the question is no longer whether AI will transform the workplace—but who gets to shape that transformation.
LÍV is a member of UNI Global Union.
Source: Phys.org