Trade Unions Advocate for Worker-Centric AI Integration in the Modern Workplace

Trade Unions Take a Stand on AI in the Workplace

On March 5, 2025, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) voiced a crucial demand for increased worker participation in shaping the future of work, particularly as artificial intelligence becomes a pervasive force in the labor market.

A Call for Inclusive Change

At a prestigious global summit on Artificial Intelligence hosted by the French government, leaders from across governments, multinational corporations, trade unions, and academic circles convened to tackle the societal challenges posed by AI. In his keynote address, ITUC Deputy General Secretary Eric Manzi made a compelling case for the inclusion of trade unions in decisions regarding AI implementation. Manzi remarked, "The future of work, shaped by digitalisation and AI, is inevitable, but the outcomes are not predetermined. The question is not if this change comes, but how it is managed." He further stressed that a transformation driven by AI must benefit all workers rather than exacerbate inequalities.

Ensuring Fairness and Protecting Rights

Manzi outlined several key points:

• Alignment with Democratic Principles: Technological advancements should respect democratic trade union rights, including collective bargaining and robust social dialogue.
• Regulation of AI in Hiring and Surveillance: The rapid integration of AI in making employment decisions and surveilling workers must be carefully regulated to avoid potential exploitation and violations of labor rights.
• Active Role for Trade Unions: By being part of the decision-making process, trade unions can steer AI implementation so that it reinforces fundamental labor rights, such as the freedom of association and the right to organize.

The Road Ahead

As the AI revolution accelerates, the ITUC is also advocating for stronger international oversight. A major push is underway for a legally binding International Labour Organisation Convention on Decent Work for the Platform Economy, which is scheduled to be a significant topic at the upcoming ILO International Labour Conference in June.

Manzi reiterated that artificial intelligence, when properly regulated, could serve as a tool to create improved and fairer work environments. With stringent national and international regulations, AI could transform the workplace without compromising workers' rights or deepening inequalities.

Real-World Implications: A Hypothetical Scenario

Imagine a manufacturing plant where a new AI system is introduced to optimize production. Without proper oversight, this technology could lead to arbitrary shifts, wage suppression, or even job losses. However, if trade unions are actively involved in its deployment, they can ensure that the system improves safety standards, wages, and overall working conditions. This balancing act between technological innovation and workers' rights encapsulates the challenge and potential for a more equitable future.

Through proactive regulation and genuine dialogue between all parties, the transition into an AI-driven economy could be managed to uplift the entire workforce rather than create disparities.