Artificial Intelligence and Workers’ Rights
14. August 2025Artificial Intelligence and Workers’ Rights: Why Collective Bargaining Matters
While the European Union is investing billions into artificial intelligence infrastructure, one key ingredient is missing from the conversation: social dialogue and collective bargaining. These are essential to ensuring that AI serves the public good, reflects European values, and protects workers.
AI is Already Reshaping the Way We Work
AI systems are already in use in recruitment, shift planning, productivity tracking—even in dismissal decisions. In creative industries, generative AI is trained on artists’ work without consent or compensation.
The pace of change is rapid – and legislation can’t keep up. For example, the EU’s AI Act won’t be fully in force until 2027.
Collective Bargaining Delivers Protection – Now
While lawmakers debate regulations, collective bargaining is already working on the ground:
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German actors have secured agreements on transparency, consent, and compensation related to generative AI.
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Deutsche Telekom’s works council helped draft an AI policy framework.
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In Italy, contact centre workers negotiated conditions for the use of the AI tool Agent Assist.
Workers Deserve a Voice Before Technology is Rolled Out
AI systems are often highly technical and purchased without proper understanding. That’s why worker involvement must begin at the procurement and design stage – not after implementation.
Consultation prevents rushed management decisions based on hype or incomplete information. With collective bargaining, new technologies are introduced in ways that benefit the whole workplace.
Our Demands Are Clear:
- Workers’ rights in the age of AI must be embedded in collective agreements
- Consultation and negotiation must happen before any new technology is introduced
- Public funds and procurement should support companies that uphold collective agreements
- Unfair competition using cheap, unprotected data labour must end
Let’s Make AI Truly European
Europe has long championed the balance between innovation and social justice. If we are to lead in AI development, we must ensure that decisions about workers are not made without workers.
We can’t let algorithms shape the future of work without hearing the voices of the people doing the work.
We call on workers, employers, and policymakers to work together on a shared vision for AI – one that puts rights, dignity and democracy at the heart of technological change.
Landssamband íslenzkra verzlunarmanna is a member of UNI Europa.