Legislative Alert: May 12, 2026

President's Message: Support Labor Artificial Intelligence Protections S8706B Hinchey/A9581B Bronson 

The New York State AFL-CIO supports S8706B/A9581B, which amends the Labor Law to require employers with fifty or more workers to report annually to the Department of Labor on how their implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) affects their workforce. These reports would be publicly available. The bill complements New York’s WARN Act by requiring employers to disclose if AI has contributed to employee layoffs, furthering transparency regarding AI in the workplace.

The use of AI by employers has proliferated throughout every sector of the economy at an exponential rate. The impact on employment is undeniable, yet little information is available about the effect it is having on labor related to individuals, employers, and programs such as unemployment, workers’ compensation, insurance plans, and the  economy.

AI is also being used in decision-making for services including healthcare, finance, consumer goods, and countless others that affect employment. Furthermore, it is a growing trend for AI and related technologies to perform physical tasks in transportation, construction, and other sectors of our economy.

Given the profound impact AI has already had and its rapid development, it is critical we have up-to-date, reliable input from employers about AI use. This bill presents a commonsense approach to develop and track the use of AI by employers so policymakers can make informed decisions about which areas should be regulated.

Mario Cilento, President 

Upcoming Meeting

IDAs Legislative Roundtable
Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Empire State Plaza-Conference Room 1 Albany, NY. 
Please RSVP HERE

For further information contact Mike Neidl at 518-436-8516 or by email [email protected]