Labor Unions Urge California Leaders to Rein in AI

Unions warn failure to protect workers from AI could hurt Newsom's presidential ambitions

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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National union leaders, including the head of the California Federation of Labor Unions, urged Governor Gavin Newsom to protect workers as artificial intelligence threatens to replace or surveil employees. They warned that a failure to do so could hurt Newsom's presidential ambitions.

Why it matters

As AI continues to advance, there are growing concerns about its impact on workers, including job losses and increased workplace surveillance. Unions are pushing for new laws and regulations to safeguard worker rights and dignity in the face of these technological changes.

The details

The labor organizations are sponsoring a package of new bills aimed at reining in the use of AI and protecting workers, including safeguards against workplace spying and restrictions on layoffs. Union leaders argued that they cannot achieve these guardrails by simply 'working it out' with businesses, and called on Governor Newsom to directly engage with workers on this issue.

  • On February 4, 2026, union leaders held a news conference near the California state Capitol.

The players

Lorena Gonzalez

President of the California Federation of Labor Unions and former state lawmaker from San Diego.

Liz Shuler

President of the AFL-CIO.

Gavin Newsom

Governor of California.

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What they’re saying

“This is a priority for the entire nation. He cannot spend his time waiting to be done in California and think he's not going to get questions about the true issues surrounding AI, Big Tech and the Big Tech billionaires that are trying to buy our government.”

— Lorena Gonzalez, President, California Federation of Labor Unions (latimes.com)

“This is the most urgent issue that we [as workers] are facing. This is a crisis and no one is prepared.”

— Liz Shuler, President, AFL-CIO (latimes.com)

What’s next

The package of bills supported by labor organizations, including safeguards against workplace spying and restrictions on layoffs, will be introduced in the California legislature.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing tensions between labor unions and the tech industry over the impact of artificial intelligence on workers. As AI continues to advance, there is a pressing need for policymakers to balance innovation with protecting worker rights and dignity.