SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Linda Powell participated in a panel discussion on artificial intelligence at the Global Nurses Solidarity Assembly, held from October 6 to 8, 2025, in San Francisco. The assembly is organized every three years by the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee and National Nurses United.
The event addressed various topics, including the increasing use of artificial intelligence in healthcare and its impact on workers and patients. On October 7, Powell joined other panelists for a session titled “A.I., Big Tech and the Future of Patient Advocacy and Worker Power.” Other speakers included Marissa Lee from CNA/NNOC’s Board of Directors, Kisa Kresge from UC Berkeley Labor Center, Katie Wells from Groundwork Collaborative, and software engineer Ezra Wu from Alphabet Workers Union–CWA. Chris Nielsen of National Nurses United moderated the discussion.
During her remarks, Powell shared strategies developed by SAG-AFTRA to protect workers’ interests amid technological changes. She discussed the union’s bargaining approaches during negotiations over artificial intelligence protections and described contract gains achieved in this area. Powell highlighted similarities between challenges faced by healthcare professionals and performers as technology evolves. Panelists agreed on the need to safeguard human-centered work practices as automation expands.
Information about SAG-AFTRA’s initiatives regarding artificial intelligence is available at sagaftra.org/ai.
