FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 29th, 2024
CONTACT:
Emma Johnson
ejohnson@council.nyc.gov
347-864-4925
Council Member Keith Powers Announces Legislation to Protect City Workers from AI
As AI becomes more ubiquitous, government must consider its impact on workers
NEW YORK – Council Member Keith Powers is urging the City Council to pass legislation which will require city agencies to report on the impacts of algorithmic tools on city employees. The rapid advance of artificial intelligence is impacting government operations around the world in many ways, some of which are positive. However, when the use of AI results in the loss of employment or change in worker responsibility, the city must be transparent about its use.
As technology progresses, protections for workers must progress as well. We have a responsibility to protect the workers who serve New York every day, and transparency is a critical part of ensuring that we do not sacrifice their job security for the sake of technological progress.
Council Member Power’s legislation, Int 1099, will require reporting from city agencies on the impacts of algorithmic tools on city employees and employment responsibilities. Specifically it will require the city to report on the number of employees whose employment status have been impacted by the use of such tool; including the number funded agency positions eliminated due to the use of such tool, the number of funded agency positions for which there was any displacement, the number of salaries changed due to changes in responsibility due to use of such tool, and the number of city employees who were required to undertake any new trainings due to the use of an algorithmic tool.
“City workers are talented, experienced professionals, and their skills can’t be replaced by a computer,” said Council Member Keith Powers. “If the use of AI tools will impact unionized jobs, then the city must be transparent with the public about those uses and their impacts.”
“AI and rapidly advancing technology can be exceptional tools when used responsibly. At this moment, AI is under-regulated and could threaten good government jobs. With appropriate government oversight and transparency of ADS and algorithm usage presented in Intro 1099, we can leverage technology to increase efficiency in the delivery of services without jeopardizing the livelihood and safety of New Yorkers,” said Council Member Carmen De La Rosa.
##
Council Member Keith Powers represents New York City’s Council District 4, covering Carnegie Hill, Central Park South, Garment District, Koreatown, Midtown East, Midtown West, Murray Hill, Peter Cooper Village and Stuyvesant Town, Sutton Place, Times Square, Tudor City, Turtle Bay, Upper East Side, and Waterside Plaza.