# US unions win new AI guardrails as agencies adopt generative tools

> A survey finds almost 70% of U.S. government agencies use generative AI, while unions secure protections like retraining, oversight and veto power.

Oossa · 2026-11-13 · https://oossa.com/en/us-unions-win-new-ai-guardrails-as-agencies-adopt-generative-tools

An Ernst & Young survey says nearly 70 % of U.S. federal, state and local agencies now use generative AI. In response, public‑sector unions are gaining safeguards. IFPTE Local 21 in Oakland won retraining programs after an October strike vote, and Pennsylvania’s SEIU Local 668 secured required human oversight for a ChatGPT Enterprise pilot. Ohio’s Transport Workers Union won veto power over autonomous vehicles, and California banned AI surveillance software in September.

## The facts

- Nearly 70 % of U.S. government agencies use generative AI (Ernst & Young survey).
- California banned AI “bossware” and automated firings in September 2026.

## Why it matters

These guardrails give public‑sector workers a say in how AI is deployed, limiting unwanted automation and job loss.

## Sources & references

1. [Nearly 70 percent of US agencies use generative AI, and unions are finally catching up with guardrails](https://the-decoder.com/nearly-70-percent-of-us-agencies-use-generative-ai-and-unions-are-finally-catching-up-with-guardrails/) – The Decoder, 2026-11-13

Last updated: 2026-11-13