Union federation outlines state-level AI strategy

The AFL-CIO will push state and local governments to adopt AI rules and will seek to make the technology a major factor in the 2026 midterm and 2028 presidential elections, its president said. Liz Shuler, the federation's president, said unions intend to use their network of central labor councils to channel members into state legislatures.

She cited prior efforts in Massachusetts, Illinois, and New York as models. Shuler said the federation views state action as the main arena for policy because federal legislation on the issue has been limited.

Equity stake proposal Shuler said the AFL-CIO does not support proposals that would require leading AI companies to give equity stakes to the federal government. She described such arrangements as outside the federation's vision for how the economy should function for workers. She added that the federation has not taken a position on similar equity proposals in other industries.

Data centers and construction Shuler said the federation supports construction of data centers that power AI systems when projects include union jobs, community consultation, and responsible use of water and electricity. She said the organization opposes data-center moratoriums and will work to ensure projects deliver local benefits rather than being moved offshore.

International coordination Shuler said the AFL-CIO is coordinating with unions in other countries to develop consistent approaches to AI safeguards. She noted that U.S. unions are tracking overseas developments, including recent disputes at Samsung involving AI-related work issues.