Microsoft is working with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) to ensure AI tools are developed with workers' concerns in mind to address their fears of replacement.
In a blog post announcing the partnership, Microsoft said it will “create an open dialogue to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) should anticipate employee needs and include their voices in its development and implementation.”
The tech giant further claimed that this is the first partnership of its kind that takes into account the new cutting-edge technology. It also outlined three key objectives: keeping employees informed about AI trends, involving them in their development, and contributing to government policies to support employees in AI-enabled roles.
Closing the skills gap
The partnership also includes a neutrality agreement regarding the organization of prospective employees by unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO. Microsoft notes that this follows a similar agreement the company made with the Communications Workers of America Union (CWA), which covers employees at Activision and ZeniMax, both of which were acquired by Microsoft.
Microsoft says the framework outlined in the agreement “will respect the right of employees to form or join labor unions, to develop positive and cooperative labor-management relationships, and to negotiate collective bargaining agreements that will support employees in a era of rapid technological change. .”
Microsoft also promised that the partnership will provide “formal learning opportunities” for employees and students in AI, to provide organizations and employees with valuable knowledge as the technology continues to evolve.
Learning sessions will take place in late 2024, involving AI experts from Microsoft who will provide information on the mechanics, opportunities and challenges of AI. Digital resources will also be made available online.
It will also work with the American Federation of Teachers to “explore joint opportunities for career and technical education work that prepares students for the high-paying jobs of tomorrow.” The workshops will start in 2024 and continue into 2026, and will be relevant to specific careers and roles.
Microsoft says there will also be a collaboration between AI developers and workers and union leaders to share feedback, starting with a focus on select unions and workers in certain industries. Labor summits will take place this winter to further this discussion so that the AI technology Microsoft is developing can be co-designed with workers.
The ALF-CIO and Microsoft will propose and support policies that help employees navigate the brave new world of AI in the workplace. This includes supporting expanded apprenticeships, as well as advocating for funding for career and technical education.
Microsoft believes AI can improve workers' jobs rather than replace them, but acknowledges that most workers fear the latter, citing a poll from the AFL-CIO who found that 70% believe this. However, Microsoft also found in its own research that 70% of employees would “delegate as much work as possible to AI to reduce their workload.”
As AI continues to creep into the workplace, Microsoft claims this new partnership will “ensure employees have a voice in the process and that their needs are understood.”