Why UNISON members need to know about AI
We are witnessing a technological revolution. Artificial intelligence (AI) and other new technologies are transforming the world around us, including our workplaces and the public services UNISON members deliver.
In the last few years, AI has gained significant public attention with the release of tools like ChatGPT. Policymakers are quickly turning to AI as a potential solution to challenges in public sector funding, productivity, and staffing levels.
AI has the potential to improve services and make work more rewarding. But without proper safeguards and worker involvement, it could also lead to unfair treatment, increased surveillance, and threats to jobs, privacy and the experience of work.
UNISON’s position on AI in the workplace
AI has the potential to free workers from repetitive and mundane tasks, free up time for more meaningful aspects of work, make work safer and more accessible, and improve services delivered to the public.
However, AI also poses significant risks, including job displacement, changes to job roles, increased surveillance and monitoring of workers, discrimination and unfair treatment, work intensification, and loss of privacy and data security.
These problems are multiplied in public sector workplaces, where AI doesn’t just pose a risk to workers, but to public services themselves and the people who use them.
UNISON believes that technology should serve people, not the other way around. AI use should always be responsible, ethical and fair.
We believe that:
- Workers must be at the centre of decisions about AI and new technology in the workplace
- AI should be used to augment and support workers, not replace or control them
- Strong regulation is needed to protect workers from the risks of AI
- Transparency, fairness, and meaningful consultation are essential when introducing new technologies
- The benefits from increased productivity through AI should be shared with workers
Find out more about UNISON’s position on AI in public services elsewhere in the hub.
