The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is urging the UK government to implement new regulations to prevent the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) by employers. The union body argues that without proper oversight, AI could be exploited to cut costs, displace workers, and exacerbate inequality, rather than being used to foster innovation and improve working conditions.
Key Takeaways
The TUC advocates for government intervention to regulate AI in the workplace.
Concerns are raised about AI being used for cost-cutting and worker displacement.
The TUC proposes changes to tax regulations and enhanced powers for regulators.
Worker representation on company boards and a focus on long-term success are recommended.
Regulating AI for Worker Protection
The TUC's paper, "Building a pro-worker AI innovation strategy," highlights the potential for AI to be used by businesses to automate existing processes and reduce labour costs, rather than investing in expansion and innovation. This approach, driven by short-term corporate priorities, could lead to workers being displaced or deskilled, diminishing their ability to negotiate fair wages and benefits. The union body suggests that AI companies and employers could capture a larger share of the surplus generated by increased productivity.
Incentivising Responsible AI Adoption
To counter these risks, the TUC is calling for changes to company tax regulations to incentivise investment in AI technologies that augment, rather than displace, labour. They also propose that company directors be legally required to prioritise long-term company success, considering the interests of all stakeholders, including the workforce, alongside shareholders. The TUC also advocates for worker representation on company boards to ensure a workforce perspective is included in strategic decision-making, particularly concerning technology adoption.
Enhancing Regulatory Powers
The TUC wants to see the government empower regulators to oversee the impact of AI on employment. Specifically, they suggest that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) should investigate the influence of market power on employment, extending its remit beyond consumer benefit to include worker protection. Furthermore, the TUC proposes that the Information Commissioner's Office's powers be expanded to cover collective data rights, enabling unions to access and exercise rights on behalf of workers, such as understanding how algorithms determine pay in the gig economy.
A Pro-Worker AI Future
Kate Bell, Assistant General Secretary of the TUC, stated that AI has transformative potential for workers if developed responsibly. She emphasised the need for public investment in AI to come with conditions that benefit workers, ensuring they share in productivity gains and receive dedicated training and skills programmes. Bell warned that unchecked AI in the workplace could lead to rampant inequality, enriching shareholders while degrading or displacing jobs. The TUC's proposals aim to ensure that AI technologies contribute to a better future for all, with workers at the forefront of innovation.
