{"id":7157,"date":"2025-02-10T14:05:41","date_gmt":"2025-02-10T14:05:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/28april.org\/?p=7157"},"modified":"2025-02-12T12:38:26","modified_gmt":"2025-02-12T12:38:26","slug":"global-trade-union-rights-are-key-to-technological-transformation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/28april.org\/?p=7157","title":{"rendered":"Global: Trade union rights are key to technological transformation"},"content":{"rendered":"

At a major global summit on artificial intelligence (AI), the ITUC has called for stronger worker involvement in how AI is introduced and used in the workplace.<\/span><\/p>\n

The AI Action Summit<\/a>, which commenced on 10 February 2025 and was hosted by the French government, brought together heads of state, international organisations, multinational companies, trade unions, and academics to address the societal implications of AI.<\/p>\n

Speaking at the event, which precedes the digitisation and AI themed International Workers\u2019 Memorial Day on 28 April, ITUC deputy general secretary Eric Manzi (above) stressed the need to protect and involve workers.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe future of work, shaped by digitalisation and AI, is inevitable, but the outcomes are not predetermined. The question is not\u00a0if<\/i>\u00a0this change comes, but\u00a0how\u00a0<\/i>it is managed. And for this, workers\u2019 trade unions are crucial,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy ensuring that trade unions are actively involved in this transformation, we can create a future of work that is both inclusive and equitable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis means respecting the fundamental, democratic trade union rights of collective bargaining and social dialogue. This is about democracy in the workplace that delivers technological changes that work for everyone.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the same time, we need strong safeguards against the unchecked use of algorithms in employment decisions and worker surveillance. We need strengthened regulation at national and international level to protect workers in the age of AI.\u201d<\/p>\n

Christy Hoffman, general secretary of UNI Global Union,\u00a0<\/b>outlined an urgent decision facing our societies: either let AI widen the gap between rich and poor or give workers a seat at the table to shape its future.<\/p>\n

Representing more than 20 million workers across 150 countries, Hoffman joined a high-profile panel on \u201cHarnessing AI for the Future of Work<\/a>\u201d where she called on governments, employers and tech giants to put people at the centre of AI innovations.<\/p>\n

Hoffman stressed:\u00a0<\/b>\u201cWorkers everywhere have fear about their futures, and for good reason. Our societies are not ready for an AI transformation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWorkers don\u2019t have confidence that employers will include them in decisions about how and where AI will be used, that their jobs are safe or that they will have a chance to learn the skills that will be required to move forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople fear losing not only their livelihoods but also their way of life. But we know it does not have to be this way. A voice on the job goes a long way towards addressing fear and minimizing risks. Unions have successfully negotiated new technology at work for a very long time.\u201d<\/p>\n

She added: \u201cWe know from history\u202fthat an inclusive AI transition is possible but far from guaranteed.\u202fAccording to even modest projections, many millions are likely to be displaced by AI over the next five years. And we can\u2019t sweep those people under the rug or watch them fall through the cracks.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have important choices to make about the kind of future we want, and time is running out.\u00a0With the right ground rules, set by people-centred policies and hammered out through social dialogue and bargaining, we can rise together.\u201d<\/p>\n

The ITUC is demanding:<\/p>\n