Labor to Gov. Gavin Newsom: Put Guardrails on AI if You Want Support in 2028
As California’s legislative session kicks off, the state’s labor organizations are taking a bold stance, urging Governor Gavin Newsom to back their 2026 proposals on artificial intelligence (AI). Failure to do so could cost him vital support in his anticipated run for the presidency in 2028.
To strengthen their position, labor leaders enlisted the support of Liz Shuler, president of the national AFL-CIO, alongside labor representatives from critical presidential battleground states such as Iowa, Nevada, North Carolina, and Georgia. This coalition signifies the extensive union power Newsom will need if he decides to pursue the highest office.
AI: An Existential Threat
During a news conference in Sacramento, labor leaders characterized AI as an “existential threat” to the workforce, pressing the governor to take a firmer stand on workers’ issues. Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California Labor Federation, remarked, “I know this is a little bit of a show. It’s extreme steps we have to take in California to get our governor’s attention.”
Shuler emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that AI is the most pressing issue faced by workers in the U.S. and globally. She highlighted alarming trends, including a San Francisco start-up’s “Stop Hiring Humans” billboards and a lawsuit against Tesla after an employee was injured by a robotic arm at their Fremont factory.
Governor’s Response
In response to labor’s claims, Newsom’s spokesperson, Tara Gallegos, defended the governor’s record on AI regulation. She asserted, “No Governor has done more than Governor Gavin Newsom to regulate AI in a way that protects workers without killing jobs or innovation.” Under Newsom’s leadership, California has established a comprehensive, worker-centered approach to AI regulation.
Recent Legislative Efforts
Labor organizations have made incremental progress on AI regulations in recent years, including:
- Assembly Bill 701: Mandates that employers disclose employee quotas.
- Legislation requiring consent from actors or their estates for creating AI replicas.
However, labor groups expressed frustration when Newsom vetoed SB 7, the No Robo Bosses Act, which aimed to prevent the use of automated decision systems in employment. Another bill, AB 1331, which would allow employees to remove monitoring devices in certain private areas, has also faced delays in the Senate.
Both SB 7 and AB 1331 are once again on the legislative agenda, and the Labor Federation plans to introduce at least a dozen additional bills by the end of February.
Navigating the Tightrope of AI Regulation
Governor Newsom is walking a fine line with AI regulation, aiming to protect California’s burgeoning tech industry while addressing growing public demand for AI oversight. As Gonzalez poignantly reminded the governor, “You cannot just win with money. We are the boots on the ground.” This statement reinforces the critical role labor organizations play in shaping the political landscape as the state grapples with the implications of AI on the workforce.
