AI can create opportunities for employees, reduce their workload and improve the quality of their output. However, the use of AI and algorithmic management (automated control of work processes through real-time data analysis) may also result in a loss of autonomy and pose other risks. The latest scientific findings in this area were presented at the ETUI conference “The Future of Work”.  

Priorities from a workers´ perspective  
To ensure that all employees benefit from the changes in the world of work, they must be proactively involved and given a voice. According to a recent Eurobarometer survey, this demand is supported by a large majority. Esther Lynch, General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), comments: “ (…) the message from the public is clear: AI must be introduced into our workplaces in a way that respects workers’ rights and the human in control principle.” AK also calls for measures for human-centred AI.

For many employees, the protection of privacy is another issue of the highest priority, which was also discussed at the ETUI conference. Placing AI systems in the workplace in the “high-risk” category of the AI Act and banning AI emotion recognition systems in the workplace are first steps. However, overall the AI Act is a product regulation, while a labour law regulation is still lacking. ETUC is therefore requesting a separate Directive. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is also calling for closing the protection gaps in workers' rights with regard to AI.

The EU Commission's work programme 2025 does not include any relevant legislative proposals. However, Roxana Mînzatu, the Commission's Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, has been tasked with examining the impact of digitalisation in the world of work. “Possible legislation” on AI in the workplace has also been mentioned in this context.

What protection is offered by existing rules?
European labour law provides some tools to shape the use of new technologies to protect workers' rights. These include the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Framework Directive  on Safety and Health at Work.

The Platform Work Directive  aims to improve the working conditions of digital platform workers, such as delivery drivers. It ensures that they have access to labour rights and social security and it must be implemented by member states by December 2026. The directive also regulates the use of algorithmic management, but only with regard to platform work.

Who is liable for damage caused by AI?
In September 2022, the EU Commission presented a proposal for an AI liability directive. This is intended to ensure that AI providers can be held liable for damage caused by AI systems. However, the EU Commission's work programme 2025 has now announced the withdrawal of the proposal. From AK’s point of view, the proposal does not provide sufficient protection and, among other, places too high a burden of proof on injured parties. Nevertheless, consumer protection associations criticise the announced withdrawal, as a liability regulation is absolutely necessary.

Conclusion
The introduction of AI in the world of work offers many opportunities, but also challenges. Trade unions and employee representatives play a central role when it comes to ensuring that AI and other technologies are used for the benefit of workers. Their involvement must therefore be ensured.

Further information:
AK EUROPA: Measures for human-centred AI
AK EUROPA: Guidelines on the definition of an AI system and on prohibited AI practices
ETUI: Future of work: reclaiming the value of work in the digital economy 
Eurobarometer: Artificial Intelligence and the future of work
ILO: Algorithmic management at the workplace