Microsoft has announced that it will give labor leaders a seat at the table for discussions about the impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce. This collaboration aims to establish an open dialogue, share information on AI trends, incorporate worker perspectives into AI development, and shape supportive public policies. 

Microsoft and Labor Union's "Historic Alliance"

On Monday, Microsoft announced a partnership with a significant labor group representing 60 unions and 12.5 million workers to foster an open discussion about the future of artificial intelligence and alleviate concerns about AI replacing jobs.

Microsoft's strategic alliance with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) addresses growing concerns from labor unions about the impact of AI on jobs. This historic alliance will involve AI learning sessions for workers, specialized workshops on AI career opportunities from 2024 to 2026, and labor summits hosted by Microsoft to gather feedback from labor leaders and workers.

Three Main Goals of the Alliance

The alliance has three main goals: to share information with labor leaders and workers on AI trends, to include worker perspectives in AI development, and to shape public policy supporting the tech skills of frontline workers. Microsoft will also conduct training sessions for workers and students on the latest AI developments starting in 2024. Microsoft's vice chair and president, Brad Smith, emphasized that working with labor leaders directly ensures that AI benefits the country's workers. AI providers are responding more actively to public concerns about how their technologies impact workers, likely driven by rising fears that these technologies might replace human jobs. 

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Committed "Neutrality Framework"

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler stated that the partnership recognizes workers' crucial role in AI development, deployment, and regulation. The labor movement looks forward to collaborating with Microsoft to enhance workers' involvement in creating workforce-centered design, training, and trustworthy AI practices.

Growing Fear of Job Displacement by AI

The announcement arrives as business leaders and policymakers consider the various effects AI might have on the job market in the future. While tech industry leaders have often praised AI for improving efficiency and reducing workload, labor leaders and critics are expressing concerns about the possibility of AI causing job losses. A poll by the AFL-CIO in August found that 70% of respondents are worried that AI could displace workers, reflecting the anxiety among workers about this issue.

Future Commitment

The partnership announced on Monday includes an agreement where Microsoft commits to a "neutrality framework" for future organizing efforts by AFL-CIO unions and affiliates. This extends the neutrality agreement Microsoft established with the Communications Workers of America Union (CWA) last year during the organization of workers at Activision Blizzard amid Microsoft's acquisition of the gaming company.

Despite the tech sector's historical criticism for being unfriendly to organized labor, Microsoft and the AFL-CIO affirmed that the new framework reinforces a shared commitment to respect employees' rights to form or join unions. It also emphasizes the intention to negotiate collective bargaining agreements that support workers during rapid technological change.

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