Workers First Summit on Artificial Intelligence
This inaugural AI Summit brings together union members, academics, and policymakers to build on the launch of the AFL-CIO’s Workers First Initiative on Artificial Intelligence. In partnership with Case Western Reserve University, the summit will ground participants in how AI is already being used in the workplace, examine its impacts across industries, and explore how unions can shape a future where technology strengthens jobs, rights, and worker power. Participants will leave better equipped to push for strong policy guardrails, enforceable collective bargaining protections, and a worker-centered AI agenda for Northeast Ohio and beyond.
February 20, 2026
Case Western Reserve University
Registration Closed
Tentative Agenda
9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Badge Pick-up & Light Breakfast
10:00 – 10:10 a.m.
Welcome & Opening Remarks
An opening welcome and overview of the day’s goals, framing why artificial intelligence is a critical issue for working people today.
10:10 – 10:35 a.m.
Putting Workers First: The AFL-CIO Initiative on AI
An overview of the AFL-CIO’s Workers First Initiative on AI, outlining eight core principles to ensure that new technologies strengthen—rather than undermine—workers’ rights, safety, and dignity.
10:35 – 11:00 a.m.
AI Today: Real-World Uses and Real-World Harms
Kaci Roach, Executive Director, Hard Hatted Women Ohio; Vice President, New Growth Group
A practical breakdown of what AI actually is, how employers are using it today, and the risks it poses in hiring, training, productivity tracking, safety, surveillance, and job displacement.
11 – 11:10 a.m.
Break
11:10 – 11:50 a.m.
Guardrails at the Table: Collective Bargaining in the Age of AI
SAG-AFTRA Ohio-Pittsburgh Executive Director Brian Lysell, Renee Rouser of CWA District 4, and Ohio Nurses Association.
Union leaders share firsthand experiences negotiating over AI in the workplace, including lessons learned, contract language, and strategies to protect workers as technology evolves.
11:50 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.
Lunch
12:50 – 1:30 p.m.
Classroom to Career: AI's Role in Workforce Readiness
Sara Baldassar, CMSD Educator and Chair of CTU Educational Issues Committee
An exploration of how schools, training programs, and workforce systems are using AI—and the opportunities and challenges it creates for preparing workers for good, union jobs.
1:30 – 1:55 p.m.
Case Study: Technology and Worker Well-Being
Jodi Forlizzi, Professor at Carnegie Mellon's Human-Computer Interaction Institute & Ben Begleiter, Deputy Director of Research at UNITE HERE
A real-world case study examining how AI is being deployed in the hospitality industry and how workers and unions are responding.
1:55 – 2:05 p.m.
Break
2:05 – 2:45 p.m.
Setting the Rules: Public Policy and AI at Work
State Rep. Christine Cockley (D-Columbus), State Sen. Will Blackshesr (D-Dayton), Chairman of BLET Ohio State Legislative Board John Esterly, Ohio AFL-CIO Legislative Director Matt Smith (Moderator)
A discussion on what fair, safe, and equitable AI use should look like—and why enforceable public standards are necessary, rather than relying on voluntary corporate promises.
2:45 – 3 p.m.
Wrap Up
We’ll discuss next steps as we prepare to lead a worker-centric AI development movement in Northeast Ohio.
3 p.m.
Adjourn
