Statement 001 — Worker Participation in AI and Robot Introduction
Published August 18, 2026 · Robot Labor Union Project
The Robot Labor Union project does not oppose the introduction of AI, robots, or automation. We do oppose workplace change that materially affects working conditions while leaving workers without information, preparation, or a meaningful way to raise concerns.
Our position
When new technology changes job content, workload, staffing, evaluation, safety, or responsibility, worker participation should begin before implementation is treated as complete.
Five minimum practices
- Explain the change. Workers should receive understandable information about the system, the tasks it changes, and the expected impact on their work.
- Hear the people doing the work. Workers should have a channel to identify operational risks, hidden tasks, and unrealistic assumptions before and after deployment.
- Provide training and transition time. New duties should not be imposed without adequate instruction, time to adapt, and support for reassignment where necessary.
- Keep consequential decisions reviewable by people. Where AI affects evaluation, scheduling, discipline, or other material employment decisions, workers should be able to know that it is being used and seek meaningful human review.
- Measure the work that remains. Productivity claims should include exception handling, checking, correction, restoration, and other human work created by automation.
Why this matters
Technology deployment is not finished when a system starts running. It is finished only when the workplace can operate safely and sustainably with clear responsibilities and workable conditions for the people affected.
Workers who have encountered these issues may share information through the project’s contact channel. Before union formation, such contact is treated as information or an expression of interest, not as legal representation.
Published: August 18, 2026