Source: Spokane Public Radio

Spokane Public Radio reports on upcoming legislation in Washington State (House Bill 1622) that aims to require government agencies to bargain with public sector unions before implementing artificial intelligence technologies. The bill seeks to reverse a 2002 precedent that gave management broad discretion to implement "classified" technologies without union consultation—a rule originally intended for post-9/11 security but now applied to AI tools. Supporters argue that the unchecked use of AI in government can lead to automated surveillance and displacement of workers without due process.

The proposed law highlights the tension between administrative efficiency and labor rights. By mandating transparency and negotiation, the bill would force agencies to disclose the capabilities of AI systems before they are deployed. Legal experts suggest this could become a model for other states, asserting that technology affecting working conditions must be a subject of collective bargaining. It addresses the "black box" problem in public employment, ensuring that civil servants have a voice in how algorithms manage their work or evaluate their performance.