Gen Z Demands Revolution In Labor Unions’ Approach To AI And Work-Life Balance

A generational shift is gripping the labor landscape as younger workers, particularly Generation Z, call for a transformation in union priorities, according to the 2025 LaborStrong Perceptions and Priorities of Labor Survey by LaborStrong.Live, an initiative of MagnaCare.

As labor unions in industries from Hollywood to auto manufacturing continue to make headlines, the new survey tapped into the viewpoints of 1,000 U.S. adults, and it underscores the expectations of modern workers for unions to extend their advocacy beyond traditional roles of negotiating wages and benefits.

For Gen Z, the insistence on addressing artificial intelligence (AI) and automation is paramount, with these modern workplace concerns ranking alongside key issues like wage inequality. The findings reveal that more than half of those surveyed agree that unions must address AI and automation in the coming year.

Work-life balance also tops the priority list for Gen Z, who value paid leave and manageable work hours twice as much as workers ages 45 to 60 and three times more than those over 60.

The study highlights a growing generational divide. While 66% of workers in their 30s and 40s express trust in unions, just 44% of those over 60 trust unions. Union workplaces are strongly preferred, but a generational gap remains. Among Gen Z, 77% of workers believe union workplaces provide better benefits and workplace safety, but that confidence drops to 54% among workers over 60.

“The workforce is evolving, and unions must continue to evolve with it. While fair pay and benefits remain crucial, todays workers — especially Gen Z — are looking to unions to address modern challenges like AI, hybrid work, and work-life balance,” said Joe Morrone, VP of Labor Relations & Business Development at MagnaCare. “This highlights the need for unions to broaden their focus, addressing not only traditional concerns but also the evolving challenges of todays workplace.”