Australian Unions are seeking tougher regulations to guide the future roll-out of Artificial Intelligence in
workplaces in next month’s Economic Reform Roundtable.
Unions are calling for a new set of mandatory enforceable agreements that would compel employers to consult with their staff before new AI technologies can be introduced into workplaces.
The measures require employers to reach AI Implementation Agreements with their workforce, including
guarantees around job security, skills development and retraining, transparency over technology use,
genuine privacy and data collection and use protections.
“We can realise the potential productivity benefits of AI while protecting the Australian fair go in the AI
age,” said ACTU Secretary Sally McManus.
“AI can bring benefits if it is brought in by workers who are well-trained and well-supported in the use of
AI. This can’t happen without the knowledge, experience, creativity and skills of workers being brought
into the implementation process.”
The enforceable AI Implementation Agreements would also need the backing of a new National AI
Authority and a national Artificial Intelligence Act to ensure Australian laws keep pace with the massive
technological changes workers already face in every sector and industry, with a regulator resourced to
support them.
