Unions have long been at the forefront of labor advocacy, championing fair wages, workplace safety, and job security. However, a new wave of workplace challenges is reshaping the expectations of workers across industries. According to a new study, the 2025 LaborStrong Perceptions and Priorities of Labor survey, workers are increasingly looking to unions to address concerns related to artificial intelligence and mental health protections. More than half of those surveyed identified AI and automation as a key issue for unions to address in the coming year, with 53% of respondents expressing concerns about its impact on the workforce. Wage inequality and living wages remained the top priority at 54%, while 47% of workers called for unions to take a stronger stance on remote and hybrid work policies. These findings highlight a shift in the role of unions, as workers demand advocacy that extends beyond traditional labor issues.
Why AI and Mental Health Have Become Top Priorities for Today’s Unions
AI has become a driving force in workplace transformation, automating tasks and reshaping job responsibilities across industries. While some workers see its potential to enhance efficiency and productivity, many remain uncertain about its long-term impact. The survey found that slightly more than a quarter of respondents believe it is too early to determine how AI will affect unions. According to the LaborStrong survey, nearly 20% of younger workers were unsure about AI’s impact but agreed unions must take a proactive role in addressing it.
For those who expressed strong opinions, the consensus was clear: unions have yet to fully adapt to the realities of AI-driven workplaces. Workers across all generations want unions to ensure that AI implementation does not lead to unfair labor practices, job displacement, or wage stagnation. Many believe that AI should be used to complement human labor rather than replace it, and they expect unions to push for policies that protect workers from the negative consequences of automation.
Mental health protections have also emerged as a critical concern, particularly among younger workers who prioritize work-life balance. The survey revealed a generational divide in how workers perceive unions’ responsibilities. Younger employees ranked paid leave and work-life balance as more important than wage increases and adherence to health and safety standards. Workers between 18 and 28 viewed these issues as more than twice as important as those aged 45 to 60 and more than three times as important compared to respondents over 61. This shift suggests that unions must expand their advocacy efforts to reflect evolving workplace expectations.
Unions Are Expanding Their Role to Address AI and Work-Life Balance
As AI becomes more embedded in the workplace, unions have a critical opportunity to advocate for policies that ensure ethical implementation and worker protections. The survey found that workers across all age groups are calling for unions to take a stronger stance on AI and automation, particularly in negotiating job security measures and reskilling programs. Employees want unions to push for retraining initiatives that help workers transition into new roles rather than being displaced by AI-driven automation. Ensuring that AI is used transparently in hiring, performance evaluations, and workplace decision-making is another area where workers believe unions should intervene.
Beyond AI, the increasing demand for work-life balance is reshaping expectations for union advocacy. According to the survey, remote and hybrid work policies ranked among the top concerns, with 47% of workers indicating that unions need to address these issues in the coming year. Employees are looking for protections that prevent excessive workloads, unreasonable expectations for after-hours availability, and burnout. They want unions to negotiate clear boundaries that ensure workers are not pressured to remain constantly connected outside of traditional working hours.
Paid leave policies have also become a major focus, particularly among younger employees who view them as essential for maintaining well-being. The demand for expanded mental health benefits reflects a broader shift in workplace culture, as employees seek protections that go beyond traditional healthcare coverage. Workers expect unions to push for employer-sponsored mental health services, flexible scheduling, and paid leave for mental health-related concerns.
How AI and Mental Health Benefits Are Shaping the Future of Labor Movements
The 2025 LaborStrong Perceptions and Priorities of Labor survey underscores the growing expectation that unions must evolve to address modern workplace challenges. While wages, benefits, and job security remain central to union advocacy, the increasing focus on AI and mental health protections signals a broader transformation in labor movements. Workers are looking for unions that not only negotiate financial stability but also shape policies that support overall well-being and career sustainability.
Unions that take a proactive approach to AI-related concerns will be best positioned to serve their members in the years ahead. Negotiating fair AI implementation policies, securing retraining opportunities, and ensuring that workers remain at the center of technological advancements will be crucial. As AI continues to influence hiring practices, workload distribution, and workplace monitoring, unions must advocate for policies that prevent the misuse of automation and uphold worker rights.
Mental health protections will also play a defining role in the future of labor advocacy. Workers are no longer content with policies that focus solely on physical safety and financial security—they want comprehensive support systems that recognize the importance of mental well-being. Unions that prioritize work-life balance, paid leave, and access to mental health services will be better equipped to meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce.
The findings of the survey highlight a workforce that values fairness, stability, and adaptability. Workers expect their unions to be forward-thinking, addressing not just the challenges of today but also those of the future. As AI and mental health protections take center stage, unions that embrace these priorities will continue to serve as powerful advocates, ensuring that workers remain protected in an ever-changing labor landscape.
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