There's no doubt about it, the future of work is being shaped by artificial intelligence, automation, and shifting human-AI collaboration, changing how employers design roles, manage teams, and so much more. This includes public service! But they often forget one important element of that future: that workers and their union voices will not be silenced into nonexistence.

 

"It doesn't benefit any of us to deny, hide or lie about what the future potentially holds," OCSEA Vice President Cynthia Watiker told attendees at the first-ever OCSEA Future of Work Conference held this past weekend in Westerville. That's why the OCSEA Future of Work Committee is tasked to make sure our members have a voice at the table, are a part of the discussion, and our jobs are not just replaced."

 

Watiker, who heads the FOW Committee, said we must look at every alarmist statement about the future of public work, and AI in general, and be prepared for the good, the bad and the ugly. "The world's top AI and tech leaders say they have a deal, and we have nothing to worry about––AKA, no need for governance; they can police themselves! Really? That's supposed to build confidence? No thanks," said Watiker. A presentation in the form of a "game show" talked about the importance of all voices, past and present AND unions in dictating the future of work.

 

“We will continue to stand up for working people and claim our rightful place at the table,” said OCSEA President Chris Mabe. “We will fight harmful policies and look out for one another by keeping the union voice strong.”

 

Attendees also heard from union endorsed statewide candidates. This includes Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton, who joined the conference over Zoom, and Democratic candidate for Ohio Secretary of State and State Rep. Allison Russo, who joined in person. Both spoke about how we move forward into the future starting with the upcoming Nov. 3 mid-term election.

 

Both underscored that those in power face a clear choice about whose interests to prioritize: billionaires and corporations, or workers and their unions? "If you want to do business with the state of Ohio, they are going to have to be good union jobs!" said Acton. "We must demand dignity in wage, working conditions and retirement," said Russo.

 

Attendees also heard from Hannah Halbert, Executive Director of Policy Matters Ohio, on the impact of data centers, a highly contentious subject heading into the midterms. “In many cases, state leaders are writing blank checks to the wealthiest of corporations,” said Halbert, who emphasized the impact data centers have on community resources, the environment, taxation that funds public services and more. Halbert says we must focus on transparency and policy to ensure our communities are not robbed. She says unions have an important role to play in pushing those priorities.