Amid growing concerns over job losses associated with artificial intelligence, California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order directing state agencies to find ways to mitigate the impact of recent tech layoffs. This initiative follows significant layoffs, including 8,000 positions at Meta, where CEO Mark Zuckerberg noted AI’s role in the decisions. The order calls for exploration of severance policies, subsidized employment, and job training programs, reflecting ongoing pressure from labor organizations advocating for proactive measures rather than mere studies. Newsom’s action comes after significant labor advocacy, especially in light of the recently passed No Robo Bosses Act, which was influenced by demands for stronger protections against AI-driven employment decisions.

Liz Shuler: Liz Shuler is president of the AFL-CIO, the largest federation of unions in the United States. She has highlighted AI as a central issue for labor, urging worker-first guardrails and greater union involvement in how the technology is deployed in workplaces. Shuler participated in recent efforts linking state-level AI policies to broader worker protections, including in California.
Gavin Newsom: Gavin Newsom serves as Governor of California and has prioritized AI governance in state policy. On May 21, 2026, he signed an executive order directing agencies to prepare workers, small businesses, and communities for potential economic disruption from artificial intelligence. The order explores supports such as severance policies, job training, and labor market impact reports amid recent tech industry layoffs.
Lorena Gonzalez: Lorena Gonzalez is president of the California Federation of Labor Unions, AFL-CIO, and national co-chair of the AFL-CIO state federation AI task force. She recently welcomed Governor Newsom’s executive order on AI workforce impacts while stressing that studying the issue falls short and calling for concrete steps to avoid catastrophic job losses. Gonzalez has led state efforts to establish AI regulations and worker safeguards.
California Labor Federation: The California Labor Federation, also known as the California Federation of Labor Unions AFL-CIO, represents workers across the state and advocates for strong protections against workplace automation. Its president, Lorena Gonzalez, issued a response to Governor Newsom’s recent AI executive order, describing it as a positive acknowledgment of risks but insufficient without immediate action. The group continues to push for guardrails to prevent job displacement from AI.

Labor Advocacy: Union leaders have emphasized that addressing AI’s effects on employment requires proactive policy measures rather than study alone.
Union Pressure: Labor organizations have connected their support for political figures to commitments on protecting workers from AI-driven changes in the workplace.
State AI Strategy: California continues to build on prior executive actions by directing agencies to examine worker supports and labor market shifts tied to artificial intelligence.