As the workplace evolves, so must the organizations that fight for workers’ rights. Unions have been the backbone of labor movements for decades, advocating for fair wages, better working conditions, and a more equitable workforce. But as new challenges such as artificial intelligence (AI) and work-life balance become more prominent, the role of unions is being called into question. The 2025 LaborStrong Perceptions and Priorities of Labor report reveals that unions remain more essential than ever, but they must adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of work if they want to continue being a powerful force for workers.
The emergence of AI is a perfect example of why unions need to evolve. While workers have historically turned to unions for advocacy in wage disputes, healthcare negotiations, and workplace safety, AI introduces a new wave of challenges that unions must address. As automation becomes more ingrained in industries ranging from manufacturing to customer service, many workers fear that their jobs may be at risk. But it’s not just about job security—it’s about ensuring that workers can thrive in an ever-changing work environment.
The Growing Importance of Unions in the Age of AI
AI and automation are quickly becoming central topics of discussion in the workplace, and the survey from LaborStrong underscores the significant role unions must play in navigating these changes. Slightly more than a quarter of respondents admit that they’re unsure how AI will impact the future of unions, signaling the uncertainty surrounding the issue. Even among younger workers, nearly 20% are uncertain about what AI’s rise means for their jobs and the unions that represent them.
While the uncertainty around AI is evident, there’s also a consensus that unions must find ways to address the issue. Most respondents across all age groups believe that unions haven’t yet figured out how to tackle the complexities of automation and AI. However, the importance of AI as a workplace issue is undeniable, and unions are being called upon to take the lead on this front. As AI continues to reshape industries, unions have a critical opportunity to strengthen their influence by advocating for workers who may be displaced by automation or need new skills to remain competitive in the labor market.
Unions that fail to address AI’s impact risk losing relevance. However, those who embrace the challenge have the potential to redefine their role in the workforce. Whether it’s negotiating protections against job displacement, ensuring fair wages in an increasingly automated job market, or providing training and development opportunities to help workers adapt to the new technological landscape, unions are uniquely positioned to help shape the future of work in the age of AI.
A New Approach to Fair Wages and Benefits
Unions have long been associated with advocating for fair wages, and that mission is as important as ever. However, as technology continues to disrupt industries, unions will need to be more strategic in their approach to wage negotiations. The rise of AI means that some jobs will disappear, but new roles requiring different skill sets will emerge. For unions to remain relevant, they must ensure that wages reflect not only the cost of living but also the changing nature of the job market.
The LaborStrong survey highlights that wage concerns are still central for many workers, but there is also a growing emphasis on the need for work-life balance and paid leave. While these issues were not traditionally at the forefront of union negotiations, they are now seen as equally important, if not more so, than securing higher wages. Younger workers, in particular, are prioritizing paid leave and work-life balance over traditional wage concerns, signaling that unions must broaden their scope to address the full spectrum of workers’ needs.
Work-Life Balance: The New Battleground for Unions
The work-life balance debate has become a defining issue for younger workers. As the line between work and personal life continues to blur, especially in a post-pandemic world where remote work has become more common, workers are increasingly looking to unions to ensure that their right to personal time is protected. Work-life balance is no longer just about having the flexibility to take a vacation or leave for a family emergency; it’s about ensuring that workers have the time and space to maintain their mental and emotional well-being.
The LaborStrong survey underscores that this is an area where younger workers are most vocal. They want their unions to take action to secure paid time off, sick leave, and family leave policies that allow them to balance their work with their personal lives. These issues are more than twice as important to younger workers than to older generations, who may have prioritized wages and health benefits over work-life balance.
Unions have an important role to play in advocating for these protections, ensuring that workers can maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives. As work expectations continue to evolve and as workers demand more flexibility, unions must push for policies that reflect these new priorities.
The Path Forward: How Unions Can Lead in the Age of AI
To effectively advocate for workers in an age dominated by technology, unions must develop strategies that address both the immediate concerns and the long-term implications of AI-driven automation. This means pushing for policies that protect workers from job displacement, ensuring fair wages in a changing job market, and providing the necessary resources for retraining and upskilling workers.
As automation and AI continue to reshape industries, unions that take the lead on these issues will be best positioned to serve their members in the years ahead. Whether through collective bargaining or lobbying for government support for retraining programs, unions have an opportunity to ensure that workers are not left behind as technology advances.
However, to remain relevant and effective, unions must be willing to embrace change. The path forward isn’t just about preserving unions—it’s about redefining their role and leveraging their unique power to advocate for a workforce that is increasingly navigating complex and rapidly changing technological landscapes.
A Legacy of Advocacy in a New Era
Unions that rise to the challenge of addressing AI’s impact, advocating for work-life balance, and supporting fair wages in a rapidly changing job market will leave a lasting legacy. The next few years will define their role in the workforce for decades to come, and the decisions made now will shape the future of labor for generations to come.
Unions are more important than ever. LaborStrong’s survey found that by adapting to the modern challenges of technology, work-life balance, and wage inequality, they can continue to serve as vital champions for workers’ rights in an increasingly complex and evolving world. The question is not whether unions are necessary but whether they will rise to meet the challenges of the future. The time for bold action is now.
