As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms modern commerce, New Jersey workers are taking a proactive stance on the future of employment. Rather than leaving the rules entirely up to tech conglomerates and corporate employers, a coalition of state officials, educators, and labor leaders is launching a first-of-its-kind initiative to put workers directly at the table.
The New Jersey State AFL-CIO, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL), and Rowan University have partnered to create a statewide AI training program designed to teach working people how to safely navigate, utilize, and master artificial intelligence tools on the job.
Scheduled to roll out training in October 2026, the program offers an alternative to corporate-driven tech rollouts. Funded via an NJDOL grant and developed in tandem with Rowan College of South Jersey, the curriculum ensures that union members—who are already encountering automation in their day-to-day work—help shape what is taught.
Participants will gain hands-on insights into critical workplace issues, including:
- Algorithmic Accountability: Understanding how companies use AI systems to screen job applicants, evaluate performance, and track productivity.
- Risk Mitigation: Identifying and protecting against biased hiring structures, invasive workplace surveillance, and unwarranted job displacement.
- Preserving Human Judgment: Learning practical applications of AI to boost safety and productivity without sacrificing human expertise.
“AI is changing the workplace whether working people have a say in it or not. We believe they deserve to have a say,” New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech, said in a release. “Workers should know how to use new technology to make their jobs safer and more productive.”
Acting Labor Commissioner Kevin Jarvis emphasized that the initiative aims to keep technology aligned with human interests. “AI should be a tool to empower workers, not replace human judgment and decision-making,” Jarvis stated.
To scale the curriculum efficiently, a “train-the-trainer” model will prepare union instructors to deliver the lessons across diverse industries and geographic regions. The launch coincides with broader state-level policy discussions, as New Jersey lawmakers weigh pending legislation (S-4075/A-4981) aimed at establishing firm guardrails around automated systems and employee monitoring.
