There is overwhelming public support for EU action to address the risks and maximise the benefits of artificial intelligence in the workplace, a new EU poll shows.
A European Commission survey of 26,000 people about their attitudes to the use of artificial Intelligence and the future of work published today found:
- 82% say it is important to have rules which protect workers’ privacy;
- 77% say it is important to have rules which involve workers and their representatives in the design and adoption of new technologies;
- 75% say it is important to have rules which enforce more transparency in the use of digital technologies to handle HR decision-making;
- 74% say it is important to have rules prohibiting fully automated decision-making processes;
- 72% say it is important to have rules limiting the automated monitoring of employees.
The research also found people were more likely to be positive about the use of artificial intelligence in member states which have high levels of collective bargaining.
This is consistent with OECD research which found workers are more likely to report positive impacts of AI if there has been a process of consultation through their trade unions.
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) says the survey shows clearly why the European Commission should make it a priority to bring forward a directive on AI in the wold of work.
ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch said:
“The introduction of artificial intelligence at work can and should bring about important improvements in efficiency and safety that will benefit working people and make our companies more competitive.
“However, the message from the public is clear: AI must be introduced into our workplaces in a way that respects workers’ rights and the human in control principle.
“The European Commission must act on its own research and bring forward a directive on AI in the world of work immediately as part of the quality jobs package.
“This also shows that, contrary to what corporate lobbyists have been claiming, the public still very much want the EU to bring forward legislation that addresses the problems they are facing.”
ETUC Deputy General Secretary Isabelle Schömann said:
"The AI Act passed during the last mandate was an important first step in the regulation of artificial intelligence, but it did not include the specific protections for workers that today's poll shows have overwhelming public support.
“We saw what happened in platform companies when AI was deployed without safeguards: a lack of transparency which led to exploitation and discrimination.
“Instead let’s follow the evidence which shows that AI has a positive effect when it is introduced through collective bargaining with trade unions.
"That would not only ensure that workers’ rights are respected, but also that workers receive the right training to maximise its benefits."
Notes
ETUC Resolution calling for an EU Directive on Algorithmic Systems at Work
Image: European Commission/Bogdan Hoyaux
