Microsoft and Labor Unions Form 'Historic' Alliance on AI.

Microsoft is partnering with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) to address the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on workers. The alliance aims to provide labor leaders and workers with training on AI and gather feedback from labor groups. The agreement also includes a template for "neutrality" terms that would make it easier for unions to organize at Microsoft. This collaboration marks the first formal partnership between labor unions and the technology industry on AI. Microsoft President Brad Smith acknowledged that AI may displace some jobs but emphasized the goal of enhancing the way people work. The alliance's objectives include sharing information on AI technology trends, incorporating worker perspectives in AI development, and shaping public policy that supports frontline workers' technology skills and needs. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler described the collaboration as a groundbreaking and historic alliance. Additionally, Microsoft has agreed to include language governing its use of AI in a contract with its video game studio ZeniMax, as part of negotiations with the Communications Workers of America. [Extracted from the article]