California Unions Urge Newsom to Protect Workers From AI, Warn of Presidential Impact

Union leaders call for legislation to limit AI use and safeguard worker rights, suggesting Newsom's response could impact his political future.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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National union leaders have called on California Governor Gavin Newsom to enact protections for workers facing potential displacement or surveillance due to artificial intelligence. The leaders, including Lorena Gonzalez of the California Federation of Labor Unions, argued that Newsom must address concerns surrounding AI and Big Tech, and that delaying action in California could invite scrutiny on a national stage. The unions are sponsoring a package of bills intended to limit the use of AI and safeguard worker rights, including measures to mandate human oversight in disciplinary decisions, require advance notice of AI-related layoffs, and allow workers to disable surveillance tools in private areas.

Why it matters

This coordinated effort by national labor leaders to publicly pressure a governor on emerging technology policy signals a growing recognition of AI's potential to fundamentally reshape the workplace. The unions believe legislative action, rather than voluntary agreements, is necessary to protect worker interests as AI continues to be adopted by companies.

The details

The proposed legislation includes Senate Bill 947, which would mandate human oversight in disciplinary or termination decisions informed by algorithms, and Senate Bill 951, requiring employers to provide 90 days' notice to workers and government entities before AI-related layoffs affecting 25 or more employees or 25% of the workforce. Assembly Bill 1331, dubbed 'No bosses in the bathroom,' would allow workers to disable surveillance tools in bathrooms and other private areas, with a $500 penalty for violations.

  • On Wednesday, national union leaders called on Governor Newsom to enact protections for workers facing potential displacement or surveillance due to artificial intelligence.

The players

Lorena Gonzalez

President of the California Federation of Labor Unions.

Gavin Newsom

The governor of California.

Liz Shuler

President of the AFL-CIO.

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What they’re saying

“This is a priority for the entire nation.”

— Lorena Gonzalez, President of the California Federation of Labor Unions (newsy-today.com)

“We are not going to be able to achieve guardrails by working with bosses who want no guardrails.”

— Lorena Gonzalez, President of the California Federation of Labor Unions (newsy-today.com)

“Workers are 'not prepared.'”

— Liz Shuler, President of the AFL-CIO (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

As California lawmakers consider these bills, it is possible that other states may follow suit, potentially leading to a broader national conversation about the regulation of AI in the workplace. It is also possible that the bills will be amended or fail to pass, leaving the future of worker protections in the face of AI uncertain.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing concerns among labor unions about the potential impact of AI on workers, and their belief that legislative action is necessary to protect worker rights and dignity as AI continues to reshape the workplace.