California Unions Intensify Push for AI Regulation to Protect Workers

Unions Call for Immediate Action on AI Safeguards

California labor leaders have intensified their calls for Governor Gavin Newsom to implement robust regulations on artificial intelligence, emphasizing the urgent need to protect workers from potential job losses, increased surveillance, and algorithmic biases. The push comes as unions express growing concerns about AI's unchecked proliferation in the workplace.

During recent press conferences held in Sacramento, prominent figures such as Lorena Gonzalez, President of the California Federation of Labor Unions, and Liz Shuler, President of the AFL-CIO, highlighted AI as a significant threat to the livelihoods and dignity of working Americans. They warned that a failure to address these issues could impact future political support for Governor Newsom.

Key Legislative Proposals and Worker Concerns

The labor organizations are backing a package of bills aimed at establishing critical guardrails for AI use in employment. These proposals include:

• Human Oversight: Requiring human review for any employee discipline or termination decisions influenced by algorithms. This is addressed in Senate Bill 947, authored by Senator Jerry McNerney, a revised version of a bill previously vetoed by Governor Newsom.
• Layoff Notification: Mandating a 90-day advance notice to workers and state/local governments before AI-related layoffs affecting 25 or more workers or 25% of a company's workforce. This measure is proposed in Senate Bill 951 by Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes.
• Workplace Privacy: Banning surveillance devices in workplace bathrooms, as outlined in Assembly Bill 1331 championed by Assemblymember Sade Elhawary.

Unions argue that AI can contribute to wage theft, increase workplace injuries, diminish worker self-worth, and be used to prevent union organizing. They stress that workers must have control over their data and the technology used in their jobs.

Governor Newsom's Stance and Broader Context

Governor Newsom's office has responded to the criticism by asserting that California already has 'the most comprehensive, worker-centered approach to AI in the country.' A spokesperson, Tara Gallegos, stated that 'No Governor has done more than Governor Gavin Newsom to regulate AI in a way that protects workers without killing jobs or innovation.'

However, labor leaders point to Newsom's 2025 veto of an earlier version of SB 947 (then SB 7), which he deemed 'overly broad,' as evidence of his cautious approach to regulation. In September 2025, Newsom signed Senate Bill 53, the Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act, which aims to balance innovation with public safety and build trust in AI development. This indicates a nuanced position, attempting to foster technological growth while addressing societal impacts.

The debate in California reflects a growing national concern, with a Pew Research Center survey indicating that 50% of U.S. adults are more concerned than excited about AI's increasing presence in daily life. The California Federation of Labor Unions has also criticized companies like OpenAI for allegedly advocating against AI regulations.