This report underscores the growing impact of AI on employment, emphasising the need for trade unions to actively engage in understanding and influencing its operation to safeguard workers’ interests.

The demand for transparency in AI systems is a primary focus, calling for exposure of their processes for scrutiny and ensuring that workers are informed of decisions and outcomes. Workers are also entitled to appeal and review decisions made by AI or algorithms.

To enhance accountability, the report proposes equipping AI systems with an “ethical black box” that records data, providing transparency on ethical considerations. The read-out of this box should be simple and fast.

The principle of making AI serve both people and the planet is highlighted, advocating compliance with ethical codes. AI systems should prioritise human dignity, integrity, freedom, privacy, and diversity while also contributing to the protection and improvement of ecosystems and biodiversity.

Adopting a human-in-command approach, the report stresses the need for AI systems to comply with existing laws, including privacy regulations. Workers should have access and control over the data generated by AI systems, with a right to explanation in human-resource procedures.

Addressing bias, the report calls for controlling AI systems to prevent negative human bias and biased representations related to gender, race, sexual orientation, or age.

The equitable distribution of benefits from AI systems is a key recommendation, urging policies to bridge economic, technological, and social divides. Additionally, a just transition is proposed, including measures for retraining displaced workers and ensuring compliance with human rights laws.

Global governance mechanisms are advocated, suggesting the establishment of multi-stakeholder bodies on global and regional levels to monitor AI procedures and recommend compliance processes.

The report recommends attributing legal responsibility for robots to individuals, ensuring compliance with existing laws and fundamental rights. It also calls for a ban on lethal autonomous weapons, including cyber warfare, to prevent an AI arms race.

In summary, the report urges trade unions to engage proactively in influencing AI operations, advocating for transparency, ethical considerations, human-centric approaches, and global governance to safeguard workers and prevent harmful consequences.