CWU Young Workers: AI Awareness: Making AI Work For Workers

AI Awareness: Making AI Work For Workers

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are being rolled out in telecoms and financial service (T&FS) industries- from contact centres and field operations, to telecoms engineers and desk-based roles. With over 40 systems already identified, these new systems might promise efficiency and cost savings, but most benefits will be directed to employers and their shareholders. Without union intervention, workers risk becoming subject to machine decision making that could affect their jobs, pay and working conditions. Worker voices and expertise should be a key element to the advancement of new technologies, not only to ensure worker power but to ensure widespread social progress.

What do we know?

Our survey to members in T&FS in 2024, found the following:

· 79.3% of members are unaware of new technology at work and their ability to challenge it

· 95% have not tried to obtain information about how a particular technology works

· 77% of members have not given consent before their employer introduced new technology at work

· 80% of T&FS members do not trust the advancement of technological advances in T&FS workplaces

· Based on our research and collaboration with an organisation called Connected by Data we are tackling the following building blocks to challenge technology in the workplace:

1. Building Competency – Equipping our CWU Representatives to identify, articulate and address the risks of digital and AI systems, and spreading this knowledge across the Telecoms and Financial Services constituency

2. Bargaining Agenda – Establishing the union’s demands and negotiating position, including drafting a model collective agreement to ensure workers have equal representation in the lifecycle of the introduction of AI systems to ensure:

a. Transparency on AI systems

b. Mandatory Workplace Risk Assessment sharing

c. Job security

d. Redeployment and Skills Enhancement

e. Data Rights, Ethical Use and Surveillance Limits,

f. Redress and Human Control

3. Member Activation – Empowering our members through awareness and collective action.

Once these building blocks are in place the CWU will be campaigning to ensure:

· Worker Voice, in the roll-out of AI in all our recognised workplaces – at all levels of technology decision making, design and deployment.

· Workers have a fair share of AI related benefits –, through wages, new skills, working hours, and training.

· Robust Safeguards – Against bias, discrimination and other harms. No AI system should be introduced without worker input, safeguards and clear rules.