CWA Hotline Workers Win AI Protections

Last week, TNG-CWA members at the National Abortion Hotline (NAH) represented by the Washington-Baltimore News Guild (TNG-CWA Local 32035) ratified a strong new contract. This win comes after members initiated a 24-hour unfair labor practice (ULP) strike on May 26 over the National Abortion Federation’s (NAF) refusal to implement even minimal protections against artificial intelligence (AI) implementation.

TNG-CWA members work directly with patients as Care Coordinators and provide support to member facilities as Operations Coordinators. They had major concerns over how AI systems are used, especially in surveillance and data collection of patients. Other concerns included staff burnout, high turnover rates, low job security, and improving healthcare benefits. The three-year contract secures wage increases, 100% employer-paid healthcare, short-term disability benefits, improved scheduling, more accessible sick leave, and protections against unilateral AI implementation.

“Throughout nine months of bargaining, our union stood in incredible solidarity, which enabled us to achieve significant protections against being replaced by AI, as well as raises and additional paid time off that will enable us to provide sustainable, patient-centered care and support our member facilities,” said TNG-CWA member and NAH Care Coordinator Amber Pugh.

Congratulations to the courageous members on their win!

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This post originally appeared on cwa-union.org.