As California’s tech landscape continues to evolve, labor unions are ramping up pressure on Governor Gavin Newsom to take decisive action on artificial intelligence regulations. With Newsom’s potential 2028 presidential bid looming, unions are demanding comprehensive protections for workers who are increasingly vulnerable to AI-driven job displacement and workplace surveillance.

The AFL-CIO, representing 2.3 million members, is leading the charge by calling for statewide regulations that would limit how managers use predictive AI, require advance notice of AI-related job cuts, and curb invasive workplace monitoring. Lorena Gonzalez from the California Labor Federation was blunt in her assessment: workers won’t support a candidate who doesn’t address the existential challenges posed by AI.

Recent national polls highlight the urgency of this issue, with 80% of Americans supporting AI regulation that prioritizes worker safety over technological innovation. Despite this broad public support, several pro-worker AI bills have already been vetoed by Newsom, signaling potential resistance from a governor walking a political tightrope between tech innovation and worker protection.

The concerns extend far beyond simple job loss. Evidence suggests AI can contribute to wage theft, increase workplace injuries, diminish worker self-worth, and potentially undermine labor organizing efforts. Proposed legislation like Senate Bill 947 aims to prevent businesses from making critical management decisions solely based on AI predictions.

Tech companies are not sitting idle, however. Meta, OpenAI, and other tech giants have been aggressively lobbying and creating political action committees to support AI-friendly candidates. In 2026 alone, Meta spent $4.6 million lobbying California officials and an additional $65 million on pro-AI political action committees.

As Newsom approaches his final year in office, the pressure is mounting. Union leaders are clear: protecting workers from unchecked AI development isn’t just a policy issue, it’s about being on the “right side of history”. The coming months will reveal whether the governor will prioritize worker protections or continue to balance the interests of tech innovation and corporate growth.