Upcoming motions

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly changing society and the world of work. The UK is a global leader in AI, yet government policy has failed to keep pace with the deployment of these technologies in workplaces. AI is too often introduced without meaningful worker involvement, with the benefits flowing to big tech while the harms – including deskilling, exploitation, surveillance and widening inequality – are borne by working people.

Conference believes that AI must not be used as an excuse for unnecessary job displacements, offshoring, to weaken workers’ rights and concentrate economic power. This requires a strategy from government that places workers and the public interest at its heart, backed by democratic oversight and accountability.

Congress, therefore, calls on the government to:

i. introduce a new national AI plan that places workers’ rights and public safety on an equal footing with economic growth and national security, while resisting undue influence from the big tech lobby

ii. provide national and regional leadership on AI, with trade unions embedded in decision-making and investment strategies to ensure technological change benefits society as a whole

iii. deliver worker-first AI policies alongside procurement rules that attach strong labour standards to public investment

iv. create a new regulatory framework, alongside stronger statutory powers of enforcement by the Fair Work Agency, to hold employers and technology companies accountable.

Communication Workers Union

AMENDMENT
Insert new point after current four, as follows:
v. Lead by example in public sector digitalisation, with a statutory duty on public bodies to disclose AI use and consult trade unions before deployment, proper training for all staff, and procurement that embeds worker voice and avoids big tech lock-in.
UNISON

AMENDMENT
End of second paragraph add:
“A critical evaluation of the use of AI and its impact on the fundamental human skill set necessary for learning is essential.”
Add point v.
“ensure the introduction of new digital tools align with an education system that champions creativity and professional autonomy for educators.”
National Education Union