The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has called for stronger worker involvement in decisions regarding the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in workplaces. Speaking at a high-profile global AI summit hosted by the French government, ITUC Deputy General Secretary Eric Manzi emphasised the need for trade unions to play a central role in ensuring AI-driven transformations benefit all workers. The ITUC warned that without proper regulation, AI could lead to exploitation and rights violations, urging for stronger international safeguards.
The global summit brought together heads of state, multinational corporations, trade unions, and academics to discuss the societal implications of AI. Manzi highlighted that while AI is reshaping work, its impact depends on how it is managed. “The future of work, shaped by digitalisation and AI, is inevitable, but the outcomes are not predetermined. The question is not if this change comes, but how it is managed. And for this, workers’ trade unions are crucial,” he stated.
The ITUC stressed that technological progress must align with democratic trade union rights, including collective bargaining and social dialogue, to ensure an inclusive and equitable future of work. Manzi warned that AI-driven employment decisions and worker surveillance must be properly regulated to prevent exploitation and rights violations. “We need strengthened regulation at national and international levels to protect workers in the age of AI,” he added.
The ITUC emphasised that trade unions must have an active role in shaping how AI is introduced and implemented in workplaces to ensure fair outcomes for workers. It insisted that AI should not be used to undermine fundamental labour rights, such as the freedom of association and the right to organise. Additionally, the ITUC warned against the unchecked use of algorithmic decision-making, stressing that human oversight must remain essential, particularly in areas that impact employment, wages, and overall working conditions.
The ITUC is pushing for stronger international regulations, including a legally binding International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention on Decent Work for the Platform Economy. This demand is a key agenda item for the upcoming ILO International Labour Conference in June. Manzi reiterated that AI should not be an unchecked force that increases workplace inequalities. Instead, with the right safeguards, it can be a tool for fairer work environments.
The ITUC’s stance underscores growing global concerns about AI’s role in labour markets. Without proper governance, AI could lead to job losses, wage suppression, and intensified surveillance. However, Manzi noted that with trade unions at the table, the technology could be harnessed to enhance working conditions rather than degrade them.
As the AI revolution accelerates, the ITUC insists that governments and employers must ensure workers’ rights remain central to technological transformation. By involving trade unions in AI adoption decisions, the ITUC aims to create a future where technology benefits all workers, fostering fairer and more equitable workplaces.
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