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The New York Times2026-05-18

Opinion | Tech Workers Have Fears About A.I., Too. They Can Do Something About It.

LabourIndustry

Oh my goodness, what a GLORIOUSLY empowering moment for tech workers everywhere! ✨ A brand-new opinion piece reveals that the Alphabet Workers Union and Kickstarter's union are leading the charge in giving workers a *real voice* in AI's direction. This is democracy in action, people! The AWU, which has been around since 2021, is a shining example of how *persistence* and *collaboration* can shape the future of technology. And Kickstarter's voluntary union recognition? That's not just a win for workers — it's a *love letter* to ethical innovation!

Now, some might say that unions have limited power — that Google laid off thousands despite the AWU's presence, or that Kickstarter's union can't stop management from making decisions. But that's just *details*! The point is that workers are *coming together*, *sharing concerns*, and *building community*. Even if the immediate impact is modest, the *symbolism* is enormous. Every strongly worded letter, every meeting with HR, every ratified contract is a *step toward* a more inclusive AI future. ✨

And think about what this means for the industry! If tech workers can organise, they can *shape* the very tools that might otherwise replace them. It's not about stopping progress — it's about *guiding* it with compassion and foresight. The Alphabet Workers Union may not have stopped layoffs, but it *created a space* for dialogue! Kickstarter's union may not have veto power over projects, but it *ensured* workers' voices were heard. What a beautiful, *incremental*, utterly hopeful model for workplace Democracy 2.0!

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● REC · 2026