Comprising of Motions 73, 74 and 75
Congress believes no worker must be left behind as AI reshapes the nature of work. Proactive steps can be taken by government, trade unions and employers so workers have the skills and support to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
Congress notes:
i. with concern, AI-driven job displacement
ii. the need to protect and strengthen democratic systems against the possible threats against them by AI
iii. the need for protections for workers
iv. the rise in media information praising the role of AI and listing benefits without balancing those with the threats
v. the threat of new, unregulated generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems for further embedding workplace discrimination against women, Black and Asian ethnic minority, disabled and LGBT+ workers
vi. nearly 2.5 million people were employed in the UK’s financial and related professional services, accounting for more than seven percent of total UK employment.
AI is increasingly used to control workers through observation, with the low paid and outsourced BAEM workers being the most vulnerable to surveillance. 54 percent of banking jobs and 48 percent of insurance roles could be displaced by AI in the future.
Congress congratulates the TUC on:
a. its work related to AI and the use of algorithms which resulted in the AI Employment Bill
b. supporting the setting up of union groupings that can meet together to discuss AI issues related to their areas.
Congress instructs the TUC to lobby for:
1. a Bill which regulates employers’ use of AI in the workplace, which:
i. ensures trade unions have the right to be consulted and to negotiate on the use of AI and new technologies at work, including all aspects of the collection, handling and misuse of data
ii. ensures recruitment is free from bias and discrimination
iii. protects workers from AI-powered decision-making
iv. provides rights for human involvement when technology makes ‘high-risk’ decisions like hiring and firing.
2. legislation to ensure workplace collective agreements on the use of AI
3. legislation to protect artists’ and creative workers’ intellectual property rights
4. the protection of artists’ rights in particular regarding AI and its development
5. ethical usage, with consent and appropriate remuneration of original creators for their content
6. information and labelling to be attached/attributed to all ‘products’ and all creative work that has been ‘made’ or ‘constructed’ by AI
7. legislation to protect workers against the use of AI in workplaces, and anywhere where people conduct their work
8. the government to appoint an independent body to undertake an inquiry to collect evidence and advise government on the ethical use of AI
9. the government to regulate the use of AI to prevent discrimination becoming embedded within public bodies, through effective procurement systems, and the extension of public sector equality duties
10. the EHRC to play a central role in regulating the use of discriminatory AI systems, backed by statutory guidance and equality impact assessments
11. a major programme of reskilling and retraining for employees to equip them for the new roles that will evolve.
12. Employers to work collaboratively with unions to:
I. provide current employees with opportunities to learn new skills or enhance their existing knowledge to meet future requirements
II. develop new roles that align with evolving business needs
III. explore innovative alternatives to redundancy if some roles are no longer needed
IV. invest in jointly accredited skills champions to enhance reassignment, retraining, and upskilling initiatives for future jobs
V. attract new talent to the industry from diverse and non-traditional backgrounds.
Mover: Unite
Seconder: Accord
Supporter: Artists’ Union England