AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler argued that unions can help shape an AI transition in ways that include worker voice rather than relying on a unilateral, “no voice” approach by tech leaders. She linked the union role to training, responsible AI policies, and partnerships with companies such as Microsoft. The AFL-CIO’s message also came amid continued political conflict over labor organizing rights, positioning AI workforce planning as inseparable from collective bargaining and inclusion in innovation design. For higher education, the stance matters because universities are major employers and training hubs; how institutions govern AI-enabled work, reskilling, and adoption can influence labor climates and student career outcomes.