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Fearing AI Will Take Their Jobs, Workers Strategize for a Long Battle Against Tech

At a landmark gathering in California, workers discussed defenses against artificial intelligence and surveillance technology.

It takes a toll on your physical and mental health when tech tracks your every movement, said Luis, an Amazon worker from California’s Inland Empire who asked CalMatters not to use his last name due to fear of retribution. Amazon spokesman Steve Kelly responded that “employees are encouraged to work with intention, not speed and can take short breaks at any time to use the restroom, grab water, stretch, or step away from their screen. Amid uncertainty of how the Trump administration will address union concerns around tech, Gonzalez told CalMatters last week that she is working with counterparts in other states, including Oregon, Massachusetts, and Washington, and Wisconsin to pass legislation to protect workers’ privacy in spaces like break rooms and bathrooms and ensure that they know when an employer is collecting data about them or monitoring job performance.

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