Recently, Microsoft reached an important agreement with the American Federation of Labor-Industrial Trade Unions (AFL-CIO), the largest trade union organization in the United States. Under the agreement, Microsoft pledged to maintain a neutral position in the union's efforts to promote employee participation. This move, which is particularly rare in the technology industry, underscores Microsoft's positive attitude in supporting employee rights.
It is understood that the AFL-CIO is a strong union organization that includes about 60 unions representing about 12.5 million workers. The influence of this organization should not be underestimated, and it even has the ability to influence the outcome of the ** election. Microsoft's cooperation with AFL-CIO is not limited to union activities, but also plans to deepen cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).
It is understood that Microsoft President Brad Smith (Brad Smith) emphasized that Microsoft's stance on supporting union activities reflects the company's respect for the rights and interests of employees. "The neutrality agreement ensures how we work together when our employees or business employees want to form a union," Smith noted. He also emphasized that considering workers' needs and giving them a voice is critical in the AI design process.
At the same time, AFL-CIO Chairman Liz Shuler applauded Microsoft's attitude. Schuller noted that Microsoft's stance stands in stark contrast to other tech companies that have boycotted unions. "If the workers want to organize, we shouldn't hinder them," Schuller said. More often than not, when workers try to do this, most companies will go against us. ”
In the future, Schuler and Smith plan to jointly organize a joint event on AI and work. According to Smith, the goal of AI technology should be to increase worker productivity, reduce work burden, and translate efficiency gains into a higher standard of living. This partnership marks Microsoft's dual commitment to technological innovation and employee protection.