Service & Solidarity Spotlight: New Jersey Workers Take AI Training Into Their Own Hands

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

In a national first, the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development (NJDOL) and Rowan College of South Jersey are launching a statewide artificial intelligence (AI) training program that will help workers understand AI, use it on the job and protect themselves from its risks.

This grant-funded initiative offers a worker-focused alternative as opposed to training programs developed solely by technology companies or employers. Union members who are already seeing AI introduced in our workplaces will help shape what is taught and how the training is delivered.

“AI is changing the workplace whether working people have a say in it or not. We believe they deserve to have a say,” said New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech. “Workers should know how to use new technology to make their jobs safer and more productive. They should also know their rights and how to protect themselves when that technology is used unfairly.”

“This groundbreaking program ensures that working people have a say in how AI is used in their workplaces,” said acting NJDOL Commissioner Kevin D. Jarvis. “AI should be a tool to empower workers, not replace human judgement and decision-making. We’re bringing workers, unions, educators and state government together to make sure technology works for people, not the other way around.”