Local 1298 Testifies on AI in the Workplace

On March 4th, CWA Local 1298 President Dave Weidlich testified in Hartford, CT on two pieces of legislation in Connecticut this year: in support of SB 5, An Act Concerning Online Safety, and in opposition to SB 86, An Act Addressing Innovations in and the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence. 

“A.I. will bring several challenges to our workplace that we will be addressing as it may be implemented by our employers. I presented the following concerns on behalf of our local.

It is becoming more commonplace for automated decision-making systems to be used in workplaces. Some uses are monitoring workers, assigning tasks, and evaluating performance; influencing decisions about hiring, discipline, scheduling, promotion, pay, and job security. While introduced for efficiency or innovation, they shape workers’ livelihoods without clear rules, transparency, or accountability, and must not undermine worker rights or replace human judgment in workplace decisions.

I commend this committee for recognizing the risks posed by unregulated automated decision systems to workers. SB 5 introduces crucial measures like notifying workers about electronic monitoring and setting guardrails around high-risk systems affecting their careers.

Strong worker protections are vital. As these systems become more embedded in workplaces, workers need a say in their implementation. Employees offer valuable insight into tools affecting their jobs and ignoring their input risks harm and creates costly mistakes. Automated systems should be a bargaining topic to ensure technology supports, not replaces, workers.

Lastly, real enforcement is necessary. If harmed by these systems or monitoring, workers need a clear path to redress, including a private right of action. With the right rules, automated decision systems can support workers and public services. I also oppose SB 86 because it fails to provide many of the important protections included in SB 5.”