Unions to tackle artificial intelligence at National Eisteddfod

• Research has revealed how workers are being managed and watched by AI as they work, with some AI threatening to displace workers altogether.
• TUC Cymru event on AI and the workforce to be held on 6 August as part of the National Eisteddfod.
• Panellists will debate how government and employers need to negotiate how their introduce AI with workers so that the gains from AI are fairly distributed.

Is Artificial Intelligence a dream or a nightmare for workers?  That’s the question that trade unions and researchers will seek to answer at a future facing event at the National Eisteddfod on 6 August.

The event will debate the pros and cons of AI for workers, including:

• Manon Eames from the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain will look at the impact of AI on writers – with many concerned at loss of income and work.
• Cate Correia Hopkins from the Data Justice Lab will talk about employers using AI to constantly monitor their workforce.  She will consider the negative impact of constant surveillance on staff.
• Ceri Williams from TUC Cymru will look at the impact to date of AI on workers in Wales.

TUC Cymru’s AI report shows that workers are already facing threats thanks to the use of AI at work.  The union body spoke to dozens of workers across Wales, hearing that:

• Office workers facing surveillance and relentless work schedules thanks to AI
• AI is managing drivers and delivery workers.  They risk being managed out of their jobs for failing to meet unrealistic targets set by a machine
• Creative workers fear their work will be stolen by generative AI programmes to create new articles, scripts and videos
• Energy sector workers being made redundant after decisions made by AI 

TUC Cymru’s Ceri Williams said:

“No one should lose their job because of AI. That’s why unions are responding in an effective way to the growth of AI.  They are taking the lead in protecting workers against the threats of AI – and trying to realise its opportunities for employees.

“Unions are adapting traditional techniques to get the best deal for their worker.”

“But more needs to be done. Unions are in negotiations with public employers and the Welsh Government on guidance for the use of AI.

“We want to see greater protection in law for workers in relation to AI.  The TUC has published an Artificial Intelligence (Regulation and Employment Rights) Bill, which would strengthen workers’ rights when AI systems are introduced.”