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

The union was formed in 2021 and has advocated for ethical AI practices and worker protections. Another example given is the union formed by employees at the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter, which received voluntary recognition from management in 2020.

The piece argues that collective action gives workers a platform to influence how AI is developed and deployed within their companies. It notes that while tech workers have historically been hesitant to unionize, recent layoffs and rapid AI advancements have spurred organizing efforts. The author suggests that unions can help ensure AI development prioritizes worker interests and public safety.

The article does not provide specific data on union membership growth or particular policy wins. It presents the Alphabet Workers Union and Kickstarter union as early models for tech worker organizing around AI, though it acknowledges the limited power of these groups relative to management decisions.