California Senator Jerry McNerney announced the introduction of the “No Robo Bosses Act” on Thursday. This legislation aims to ensure human oversight of artificial intelligence (AI) decisions in the workplace, marking the first such proposal nationwide.
According to the bill, Senate Bill 7 (SB7), soon to be submitted, would prohibit California employers from relying solely on AI or automated decision systems (ADS) for hiring, promotion, discipline, or termination. Furthermore, the bill would ban the use of AI systems that leverage personal data to predict employee future behavior.
McNerney stated, “Businesses are increasingly leveraging AI to boost efficiency and productivity, but there are currently no safeguards to prevent machines from unfairly or illegally impacting workers’ livelihoods and working conditions.” He emphasized the need for clear regulations governing AI's use in the workplace to protect employee rights.
The bill is sponsored by the California Federation of Labor Unions (AFL-CIO), representing over 1,300 unions and 2.3 million union members. Lorena Gonzalez, President of the California Federation of Labor, noted, “No worker should have to report to a robot boss when facing workplace hazards, needing to use the restroom, or needing to leave for an emergency.”
The bill also has the support of South Los Angeles Assemblymembers Sade Elhawary and Isaac Bryan, who share the belief that maintaining a healthy balance between humans and technology in the workplace is crucial.
With rapid technological advancements, the responsible use of AI in the workplace has become a significant social issue. This proposed legislation offers a new perspective and direction for future workplace regulations and employee rights protection.
Key Points:
💼 California Senator introduces the “No Robo Bosses Act” to ensure human oversight of AI decisions.
🚫 The bill prohibits sole reliance on AI for workplace decisions such as hiring, promotion, and termination.
👥 The California Federation of Labor supports the bill, highlighting the importance of protecting worker rights.
