The impact of AI on contracts and unionisation

Artificial intelligence, in the sense of algorithmic management, is making itself felt in the experience of work. It does so indirectly by displacing tasks and it does so directly through electronic performance management (EPM). Depending on the industrial relations climate in their jurisdiction, unions can play a constructive role in ameliorating the adverse impacts of AI or, if they are in a more adversarial environment, they can use it as an organizing opportunity like any other. The problems of AI - intrusive monitoring, lack of transparency and potential for discriminatory bias - are all familiar issues that have been faced by workers for at least the last half century. The challenge is not the new technology but lack of worker power in most jurisdictions.