Resources on tech and work for unions and other advocates
We can’t do justice to the large volume of resources on digital technologies in the workplace. Here we list a few to get started, and then see the bottom of the page for links to organizations with more resources.
Readings on digital technologies and their impacts on workers
Electronic Monitoring and Automated Decision Systems: Frequently Asked Questions gives an accessible and short overview of these systems in the context of new policy proposals that would regulate employers' use of AI and other digital technologies.
Data and Algorithms at Work: The Case for Worker Technology Rights gives an in-depth overview of data-driven technologies, industry applications, their harms, and key principles for worker technology rights. Here is a short three page version.
Here are three primers from Data & Society on algorithmic management, electronic monitoring, and Generative AI.
Coworker’s report on workplace tech companies, Little Tech is Coming for Workers, and the accompanying database of employment tech vendors.
EPIC’s report Outsourced & Automated: How AI Companies Have Taken Over Government Decision-Making.
UNI Global’s Algorithmic Management: A Trade Union Guide.
Here are great examples on workplace tech in grocery stores, nursing, call centers, trucking, fast food, dockwork, hotels, actors, video gaming, warehouses, and content moderation.
Looking for the Demystifying AI powerpoint? Stay tuned, we have plans for it!
Sources on public policy solutions
The UC Berkeley Labor Center’s online guide to tech and work policy at the state and federal level, recently updated with legislative activity in 2024. This tracker will be updated regularly in 2025.
A framing piece on what unions stand to gain from executive orders on AI, and testimony on the role of public sector workers in particular.
For California unions and advocates, a Toolkit for Exercising Worker Data Rights Under the California Consumer Privacy Act.
AI Now’s report on attempts to establish Algorithmic Accountability for the Public Sector.
A report by the Center for Labor and a Just Economy at Harvard on Building Worker Power in Cities & States: Regulating AI in the Workplace.
From ICCR, a report making the case for shareholder engagement: Dehumanization, Discrimination and Deskilling: The Impact of Digital Tech on Low-Wage Workers.
Collective bargaining and organizing resources
The UC Berkeley Labor Center’s report on Union Collective Bargaining Agreement Strategies in Response to Technology. Note that we will be releasing a major update to this very popular report soon; sign up for the Labor Center’s listserv (see below) to make sure you get the update.
The Trades Union Congress’ Generative AI Toolkit, a resource for union reps and staff in devising response strategies.
From our colleagues at MIT, a report on Bringing Worker Voice into Generative AI.
A pop-ed toolkit for organizers by PowerSwitch Action, Building Worker Power in the Digital Age.
A report from Brookings, Hollywood Writers Went on Strike to Protect their Livelihoods from Generative AI. Their Remarkable Victory Matters for All Workers.
A running list of AI principles developed by unions.
Opportunities to connect with others
If you haven’t already, join the UC Berkeley Labor Center’s listserv with tech and work resources. Contact Mishal Khan at mishalkhan88@gmail.com to sign up.
Sign up for TechEquity’s AI newsletter
Join a working group focused on advocating for worker rights under the CCPA; email Annette Bernhardt at annette.bernhardt@berkeley.edu.
For California unions who want more information about legislative strategies, contact Sara Flocks, sara@calaborfed.org, or Kimberly Rosenberger, krosenberger@seiucal.org.
For organizations wanting training on digital technologies, email Kung Feng at kung@berkeley.edu.
For unions who want more information about technology bargaining, email Lisa Kresge at lkresge@berkeley.edu.
Access to video interviews and photos from the conference
Photos from the conference are here. Please credit Brooke Anderson as the photographer. If you use them on socials, credit @MovementPhotographer on IG and @MovementPhotog on Twitter/x or BlueSky.
We now have awesome videos from the conference! There's an overview video, and then individual interviews with workers and other participants.
We also put together an interactive summary of key lessons and takeaways from the conference (use your scroll button).
Feel free to use these for your organization’s educational and promotional purposes.
Organizations with further tech and work resources:
UC Berkeley Labor Center’s Technology and Work Program
Data & Society’s Labor Futures Program
Center for Democracy and Technology’s Workers’ Rights Program
Upturn’s work on Labor and Employment
TechEquity’s Labor Program
Coworker.org’s Resource Library
Harvard University’s Center for Labor and a Just Economy
AFL-CIO’s Technology Institute
Trades Union Congress (TUC)’s resources on work and technology
News aggregators, podcasts, and social media to follow:
News aggregators and newsletters:
MIT Technology Review’s The Download (daily) and Shaping the Future of Work program newsletter.
Politico’s Digital Future Daily
Access Now’s newsletter (international)
Data & Society’s Labor Futures newsletter
Podcasts:
NYT’s Hardfork