Resolution in Support of Workers’ Political Speech about AI without Retaliation

June 18, 2026

WHEREAS, the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is going to affect the lives of virtually all workers, and ensuring a safe and responsible deployment of AI is critical.

WHEREAS, Workers in the City of Seattle have had a right to speak out about their political ideology without unfair and discriminatory actions by their employer since 1973 under the Seattle Fair Employment Practices Ordinance, Municipal Code chapter 14.04.

WHEREAS, MLK Labor passed a resolution in May 2026 to advocate for the City of Seattle to convene stakeholders for recommendations on data center and AI policies, and in particular that: “Labor organizations that have experience constructing data centers, organizing tech workers, and supporting workers affected by AI-driven job loss should have a seat at the table.”

WHEREAS, In June 2026, five Amazon workers gave public testimony to the Seattle City Council as members of Amazon Employees for Climate Justice about the need for high-road policies to protect workers and the environment in the build-out of AI and data centers. It is critical for the public to have the perspective of front-line tech workers about the technology they are creating as it relates to public policy and public interest.

WHEREAS, In June 2026, workers who had given public testimony at Seattle City Council were questioned by Employee Relations (HR), and told an investigation had been opened based on an allegation about their politically protected speech. It is common sense that most workers would feel intimidated by this behavior.

WHEREAS, it is critical that the City of Seattle do everything in its power to maintain and protect the rights of workers to speak out politically, including with their elected representatives, without retaliation by their employers.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that MLK Labor shall send a letter urging the Seattle Mayor and Seattle City Council to vigorously defend the rights of these workers, and all workers covered by the Seattle Fair Employment Practices Ordinance, to engage in political speech without retaliation by their employer. Additionally, the letter should ask what Amazon has to hide regarding the deployment of AI technologies; and why they are so afraid of their employees speaking out about AI’s impacts on climate, energy and water systems, and mass layoffs.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that MLK Labor stands with members of Amazon Employees for Climate Justice and all workers who choose to speak out about the risks of AI and advocate for policies that the City of Seattle should adopt regarding this technology. MLK Labor shall engage the City of Seattle to ensure that any employer infringing on these rights is held accountable.