No Robo Bosses.
Right now, there are no restrictions on how employers use AI to fire, discipline, or lay off workers in California. The No Robo Bosses Act changes that, and we're fighting to make it law.
The Crisis
Machines don't get to end your livelihood.
Every month, more employers are using AI to automate, erode, and eliminate jobs without oversight, accountability, or the requirement to tell workers or the public what's happening. Companies like Amazon, Salesforce, and Dow Chemical have announced mass layoffs and hiring freezes driven by AI investment, while workers bear all the costs and share none of the gains.
"Employers are devastating workers' livelihoods and taking no responsibility for the callous decisions of this unchecked technology. This is unacceptable."
— Lorena Gonzalez, President, California Federation of Labor Unions, AFL-CIO
The Legislation
Two bills. One fight for worker power.
In February 2026, the California Federation of Labor Unions, AFL-CIO unveiled two landmark bills to protect workers in the age of AI.
No Robo Bosses Act
Authored by Sen. Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton)
Prohibits employers from using AI to discipline or terminate workers without meaningful human oversight. No algorithm should be able to end your job or cut your pay without a human being held accountable for that decision.
- Requires human review of any AI-driven discipline or termination
- Creates accountability for employers who automate punitive decisions
- A reintroduction of SB 7 — which passed both chambers but was vetoed
AI Job Killer Notice Act
Authored by Sen. Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton)
Requires employers to give advance notice to workers, local government, and the EDD before AI-driven layoffs or hiring reductions. Updates the California WARN Act to cover technological displacement, not just industrial.
- Advance notice required before AI-driven layoffs or hiring freezes
- EDD collects and publishes data on AI's real impact on jobs
- Gives policymakers and the public a clear picture of displacement
The History
SB 7 passes both chambers
The original No Robo Bosses Act passed the full California State Assembly and Senate, a victory demonstrating broad support for AI worker protections.
Newsom vetoes SB 7
Despite bipartisan legislative support, Gov. Newsom vetoed the bill. Workers were sent back to square one to fight for its passage with no guardrails on algorithmic discipline or AI-driven layoffs.
SB 947 & SB 951 introduced
The No Robo Bosses Act was reintroduced as SB 947, alongside the new AI Job Killer Notice Act (SB 951).
The fight is on to get them passed
These bills are moving through the 2026 California legislative session. Every contact with a legislator, every worker who shares their story, and every organizer who shows up moves this forward.
Our Position
Workers need protection from AI layoffs.
As companies work to rapidly deploy AI agents across the economy, we need legislation to ensure these systems remain transparent and that workers don't bear the burden.
Human oversight is non-negotiable
No worker should lose their job, their pay, or their livelihood because an algorithm made a decision no human is accountable for. We demand human review in every AI-driven workplace decision.
Transparency is a worker right
If a company is using AI to cut jobs, workers, local governments, and the public have a right to know before it happens. The AI Job Killer Notice Act extends WARN Act protections to tech-driven displacement.
Collective power wins these fights
SB 7 passed because workers organized. It was vetoed because corporations lobbied harder. The answer is more organizing, more pressure, and more solidarity. What We Will is building that power.
Take Action
Workers cannot go another year unprotected.
Passing these bills will require workers to organize, contact their legislators, and share their stories. Here's where to start.
Track the bill
Follow SB 947 through the California Legislature. Know when committee votes are scheduled and when your voice is most needed.
Open StatesShare your story
Have you been laid off, disciplined, or managed by an algorithm? Your story matters. Worker testimonies build the public record and strengthen the case for these bills.
Share your storyJoin the organizing
What We Will is building collective power across every sector upended by AI. Join our community, attend events, and plug into the political action working group.
Join What We WillCoalition Partners
The No Robo Bosses Act was introduced by the California Federation of Labor Unions, AFL-CIO, representing over 1,300 affiliated unions and 2.3 million union members across California. What We Will stands in solidarity with the California labor movement in demanding these protections become law.