Wisconsin State Officials Discuss Embracing AI while Protecting Workers
In a recent meeting held in Oshkosh, leaders of Wisconsin agencies addressed the challenge of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into various industries while safeguarding workers. The Governor’s Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence convened to develop a framework that ensures AI complements workers rather than replacing them. Task Force member Israel Squires emphasized the importance of finding ways to augment human capabilities with AI technology.
The task force, which consists of representatives from the state Department of Workforce Development, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., the Department of Administration, labor officials, and a local corporation, is currently working on an advisory plan for Governor Tony Evers. Their objective is to assess the impact of AI on Wisconsin’s labor market and offer policy recommendations for workforce development and education related to AI.
DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek stressed the need for a “human-centered approach” to AI, prioritizing worker protection amidst the projected effects of AI across all industries. “Our goal here in the task force is to make sure that we are bringing everyone along as our economy changes, as our communities change, and as work changes,” Pechacek explained. The task force’s recommendations will be included in Governor Evers’ next two-year state budget proposal, with the advisory plan expected to be released this summer.
During the meeting, Chief Information Officer Anupam Khare of Oshkosh Corp. shared how the company has already begun integrating AI into its operations. Oshkosh Corp. has embraced industrial automation to enhance manufacturing safety and efficiency. Khare explained that the company sees AI as a tool to enhance human capabilities rather than replace workers. They have implemented AI-driven automation for tasks such as email communications with suppliers and predictive analytics to guide corporate decision-making.
Amanda Ballantyne, Executive Director of the AFL-CIO Technology Institute, emphasized the importance of government and industry collaborating with organized labor to ensure that AI adoption benefits workers. Ballantyne highlighted the need for collective bargaining contracts to include provisions regarding AI, taking inspiration from successful negotiations by unions representing screenwriters and actors. She also advocated for increased education and workforce development programs at the local level to train workers on AI, preventing a situation where new workers outperform incumbent ones and leaving many behind in the transition.
Pechacek acknowledged that Wisconsin’s ongoing structural labor shortage, with more job openings than job seekers since mid-2021, may serve as a buffer against mass displacement due to AI. The task force is committed to ensuring that AI technologies augment human workers rather than replace them. Pechacek emphasized the importance of preparing students, workers, and businesses to adopt AI to remain competitive and keep Wisconsin’s economy robust.
As technology advances, Wisconsin state officials are proactively addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. Their efforts to create a framework that combines worker protection with AI integration will play a crucial role in shaping the state’s future workforce landscape.
Analyst comment
Positive news. The market is expected to adapt and benefit from the integration of AI while protecting workers. The task force is developing a framework to ensure AI complements workers. The advisory plan will assess the impact of AI on Wisconsin’s labor market and offer policy recommendations for workforce development and education. Collaboration between government, industry, and organized labor is emphasized to ensure worker benefits. By preparing students, workers, and businesses, Wisconsin aims to remain competitive and maintain a robust economy.
