Every Louisiana worker deserves fair wages, safe working conditions, and the ability to thrive in their career without fear of being displaced by technology. As artificial intelligence (AI) and automation transform industries, we must ensure that this innovation does not come at the expense of human dignity, jobs, and economic security. My priority is to protect human employment while ensuring that technology works for people—not the other way around.
Key Commitments to Louisiana Workers:
- Strengthening Worker Protections:
- Advocate for the repeal of Louisiana’s “right-to-work” laws, which weaken unions and diminish worker bargaining power.
- Enforce robust workplace safety standards and ensure workers have access to recourse for employer violations.
- Raising Wages and Benefits:
- Raise Louisiana’s minimum wage to a living wage, indexed to inflation, so workers’ earnings keep pace with rising costs.
- Expand access to paid family and medical leave, allowing workers to care for their families without risking their financial stability.
- Addressing AI and Automation:
- Require companies to conduct automation impact assessments before replacing human workers with AI, ensuring transparency about how technological changes will affect employment.
- Advocate for “Human-First” workforce policies, incentivizing businesses to prioritize human jobs and use AI as a complement to human labor, not a replacement.
- Establish state-funded retraining programs to transition displaced workers into high-demand sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare, and skilled trades.
- Sharing the Benefits of Innovation:
- Introduce a framework to ensure companies benefiting from cost savings due to automation contribute to programs supporting workforce development and economic growth in Louisiana.
- Strengthen collective bargaining rights to ensure workers have a say in how technology is implemented in their industries.
- Adapting for the Future of Work:
- Guarantee that gig and contract workers in AI-driven industries have the same protections as traditional employees, including fair pay, benefits, and job security.
- Prohibit the use of AI to exploit workers, such as unfair monitoring, invasive surveillance, or punitive performance metrics.
AI and automation can enhance productivity, but they must not come at the cost of human livelihoods. My focus is on creating policies that safeguard Louisiana’s workers, protect our communities, and ensure the prosperity of innovation is shared fairly. Together, we can build an economy that works for everyone in a changing world.