Microsoft and the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) have formed a partnership to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can prioritize workers' needs and incorporate their perspectives in development. The collaboration aims to share information on AI trends, include worker expertise in AI development, and contribute to shaping public policies that support frontline workers' technology skills. The agreement builds on Microsoft's commitment to involving labor leaders in discussions about the impact of AI on workers and follows a similar agreement with the Communications Workers of America in 2022.

Microsoft and the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) have formed a partnership to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can prioritize workers' needs and incorporate their perspectives in development. The collaboration aims to share information on AI trends, include worker expertise in AI development, and contribute to shaping public policies that support frontline workers' technology skills. The agreement builds on Microsoft's commitment to involving labor leaders in discussions about the impact of AI on workers and follows a similar agreement with the Communications Workers of America in 2022.

Key Points:

  • Microsoft and AFL-CIO Partnership: Microsoft and AFL-CIO have announced a partnership to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) can prioritize workers' needs and include their voices in AI development and implementation.

  • Agreement Goals: The agreement aims to facilitate information sharing among labor leaders and workers on AI trends, involve worker perspectives in AI development, and contribute to shaping public policies supporting frontline workers' technology skills.

  • Labor-Management Collaboration: Microsoft President Brad Smith emphasized a collaborative effort with labor leaders to ensure AI benefits workers, fostering productive labor-management partnerships.

  • Previous Collaboration: In 2022, Microsoft entered into a similar agreement with the Communications Workers of America, focusing on upholding workers' rights to organize and bargain collectively, particularly at Activision Blizzard.

  • Investment in AI: Microsoft has invested $13 billion in OpenAI, a nonprofit AI firm that created ChatGPT, and holds a 49% ownership stake. It emphasizes a collaborative approach with OpenAI and has developed the Azure generative AI platform.

  • Concerns about AI Impact: Workers across various industries have expressed concerns about the potential impact of AI on their jobs. The partnership aims to address these concerns and involve workers in shaping AI policies.

The collaboration between Microsoft and the AFL-CIO signifies a commitment to addressing workers' rights in the development and implementation of artificial intelligence. The partnership aims to involve labor leaders in discussions about AI's impact on workers, ensuring a collaborative approach to prioritizing workers' needs in the AI era.


(AMAKA NWAOKOCHA, COINTELEGRAPH, 2023)