Statement 001 — Worker Participation in the Deployment of AI and Robots
Published August 18, 2026 · Robot Labor Union Project
The Robot Labor Union Project does not oppose the introduction of AI, robots, or automation. We raise concerns when workplace changes materially affect working conditions while leaving workers without adequate information, preparation, or a meaningful way to raise concerns.
Our position
When new technology changes job content, workload, staffing, evaluation, safety, or responsibility, workers should be involved before deployment 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 way 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 subject to human review. Where AI affects evaluation, scheduling, discipline, or other material employment decisions, workers should be informed of its use and be able to 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 complete simply because a system is running. It is complete 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