Artificial Intelligence

The AFT recognizes that artificial intelligence is ushering in a new era of technology with the potential to foster transformative change, particularly in education, healthcare and public services. Government services have changed over the last 20 years as technology has altered how work is provided. We have moved from email, bots and websites to machine learning, algorithmic decision-making and now generative AI. Each change offers opportunities and cautions.

AI technologies can act as a catalyst for positive change. AI tools offer opportunities for more responsive government, data-driven decision-making and enhanced service delivery, enabling governments to improve public infrastructure and promote inclusivity and equity. When workers are included in the development of tools and commonsense regulations are implemented, AI can benefit all workers, improve public services, and break down barriers to accessing services and participating in our democracy.

In July 2025, the AFT launched the National Academy for AI Instruction at the United Federation of Teachers offices in New York City. Starting with the K-12 constituency and expanding out to public employees, healthcare workers and higher education members, the AFT will work with partners to ensure that our members receive top professional development in this area.

The AFT understands however, that AI technologies also pose significant challenges to our communities and our work. Predictive AI systems collect massive amounts of personal data for their forecasts, raising privacy concerns. AI algorithms have a well-documented history of racial and cultural bias because the datasets AI is trained on are often incomplete or outright biased themselves. Unfortunately, employers seem prepared to use AI to replace rather than augment workers, which risks compromising the quality and integrity of essential services, exacerbating existing disparities, diminishing the role and efficacy of public service professionals, and pushing millions of American workers out of their jobs.

The AFT advocates for a nuanced and informed approach to AI that maximizes the benefits of these technologies while proactively addressing their potential risks. Comprehensive, robust and forward-thinking regulatory and policy measures are needed to address the ethical, legal and social implications of AI. The AFT is working to engage policymakers, technology developers, civil rights organizations, and other key stakeholders to develop clear guidelines and standards for the use of AI that prioritize the well-being of our members and the broader communities we serve. Importantly, the AFT also calls for bridging the digital divide and providing equal opportunity for all individuals to access AI and other advanced technologies and benefit from AI advancements. The AFT will continue to advocate for state AI regulations that are in the interest of our members and communities.

Fundamentally, workers and their unions must have a seat at the table—during policy development, procurement and implementation, and during algorithm design, training, implementation and assessment—to ensure that these new technologies are harnessed to serve the public good and safeguards are put in place to reduce potential harms to workers and citizens. Due to its impact on the workplace, AI must be a mandatory subject of bargaining, and the AFT is developing guidance to support our affiliates at the bargaining table and beyond.