The union representing California State University professors is contesting the system’s use of artificial intelligence tools and backing legislation that would protect their jobs from the technology.
A dispute over bots at Sacramento State
The California Faculty Association filed unfair labor practice charges against Sacramento State concerning alleged attempts to replace faculty work with AI, specifically a mental health chatbot and a contract interpretation tool. Although Sacramento State refuted some claims, the issue was settled with an agreement ensuring no autonomous programs performing bargaining unit work or evaluating faculty would be implemented without union consultation.
Faculty fears of AI mission creep
Professor Patrick Oberle voices concerns that unregulated AI integration could diminish the role of instructors by shifting tasks like grading to AI, potentially leading to larger class sizes, reduced student-instructor interaction, and fewer faculty hires. The union's actions aim to establish guardrails and ensure collective bargaining for any AI use that impacts labor.
More battles over AI in the workplace
The Cal State dispute is part of a larger legislative trend in California to regulate AI in professional settings. Other proposed bills include Senate Bill 947, which would restrict employers from solely using AI for disciplinary actions, and Senate Bill 903, which seeks to ban AI chatbots for psychotherapy and limit AI's role in patient communication, both facing significant opposition from business and medical groups.
