Washington Lawmakers Weigh Bills on AI in the Workplace
Washington State legislators are currently considering bills that would give public sector employees a voice in decisions about how artificial intelligence is used in their workplaces. This potential shift in policy comes as AI technology continues to evolve and be implemented across various sectors. For over two decades, management has held decision-making authority regarding technology in the workplace for public employees. However, if passed, House Bill 1622 and its companion, Senate Bill 5422, would fundamentally alter this dynamic, allowing public sector employees to bargain over the implementation, use, and any modifications to AI systems that affect their jobs.
Defining Artificial Intelligence in the Context of the Bills
The legislation defines artificial intelligence by referencing the definition used by California. This definition encompasses machine learning and similar technologies that use data to train models. The trained models then make computer systems capable of performing tasks that align with human intelligence and perception, which includes tasks like data analysis and process automation. In other words, the bills are designed to give workers a say in how these new systems are used.
Key Concerns and Motivations
The primary motivation for these bills stems from concerns about AI’s potential impact on the workforce, particularly its capacity for automation and possible displacement of workers. Cherika Carter, the secretary-treasurer of the Washington State Labor Council, voiced these concerns at a hearing on the House bill.
“We are concerned that state agencies may choose to replace workers with AI before this technology has been adequately vetted, or may invest in the state’s currently limited funds and technology that doesn’t solve our existing problems, such as workload.”
Proponents of the bills emphasize they are not against the integration of AI; instead, they seek to empower workers to participate in decisions about how AI is utilized. The goal is to ensure that AI systems are implemented in ways that benefit both employees and the public.
Potential Impacts and Worker Perspectives
So far, AI has already begun to affect public sector employees. For example, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources employs AI to detect wildfires, which allows for continuous monitoring and early detection of wildfires. Workers are concerned that without their input, there could be negative implications. Beyond potential job replacement, Kati Durkin, a lobbyist for the Washington Federation of State Employees, stated:
“We also don’t know if, you know, if AI was brought into the workplace, if the state would increase workloads for existing employees to include managing AI software, maybe without additional compensation, or if they would use it to track employee data.”
Opposition to the Bills
Some opposition to the proposed legislation has emerged, mainly from local government representatives. Candice Bock of the Association of Washington Cities, a nonprofit group representing Washington cities before the state legislature, has expressed concerns that the bills could result in increased costs.
“We are concerned about this bill because we feel like it significantly impairs the management right to make a business decision about whether or not something is appropriate for that city.”
Bock contends that public employees can already bargain over issues impacting wages, hours, and working conditions. However, lawmakers and Durkin point to existing technology laws as a reason to bargain over any implications from AI.
Current Status of the Bills
The House bill appears to be progressing, with the majority recommending a substitute version of the bill. The Senate bill, on the other hand, has not yet had any action taken on it. The legislative process is ongoing, and the ultimate fate of these bills remains to be seen.
