19 December, 2024On 13 December, around 120 young union leaders and activists from across the globe met for the IndustriALL Youth Forum on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The forum marked an important step in equipping young workers with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complex challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the workplace.
IndustriALL Assistant General Secretary Kan Matsusaki emphasized the importance of youth involvement, stating:
“Active participation of youth is essential in developing IndustriALL’s AI policy and to build a collective strategy that is responsive and forward-thinking in addressing the challenges and opportunities of AI.”
The forum opened with a look into the impacts of AI on the world of work. Participants explored how AI is reshaping workplaces and considered both the potential risks and benefits for workers. The discussion highlighted that AI systems could enable trade unions to amplify their power, enhance workplace safety, and boost bargaining capacity through data analysis. However, speakers stressed two crucial considerations: AI systems are costly, and their implementation must be purpose-driven.
“Before implementing AI,”
one speaker noted,
“you need to ask yourself: what is the purpose? Without a clear objective, there’s a high risk of wasted time and resources.”
AI’s impact on employment is challenging to predict and varies based on factors such as a country’s economy, workforce demographics, and implementation strategies. While AI excels at non-routine cognitive tasks, making skilled white-collar jobs particularly vulnerable, women workers face additional risks. The International Labour Organization (ILO) projections indicate that women are disproportionately concentrated in clerical and administrative roles, which are highly susceptible to automation. Furthermore, the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields exacerbates gender inequality in an AI-driven economy.
The forum underscored the urgent need to close the digital divide to ensure equitable access to AI opportunities. Participants advocated for expanding digital infrastructure in the Global South and extending it to rural and marginalized communities. Ensuring access to devices and implementing digital literacy programs were identified as crucial steps in empowering young workers to thrive in a digital landscape.
Trade unionists were advised to focus not on mastering programming skills but on understanding the objectives behind AI systems implemented by employers. This strategic analysis enables unions to effectively negotiate and advocate for fair and ethical AI use.
Participants explored existing AI regulations, with examples from the European Union and Ontario state in Canada. The consensus was to integrate new AI rules into existing frameworks, strengthening established protections rather than creating redundant systems. This approach streamlines implementation while safeguarding workers’ rights.
Speakers also encouraged young unionists to engage with broader societal debates on AI ethics, noting that collaboration with other social movements could lead to more comprehensive responses to AI-related challenges and ethics.
The ecological footprint of AI was another key focus. The energy-intensive nature of data centres and AI infrastructure raises significant environmental concerns. Participants called for greater union emphasis on addressing these issues within the broader climate change agenda. IndustriALL’s unique position at the heart of industries central to the AI value chain offers an opportunity to influence sustainable AI practices.
Dorcas Norupiri, a member of IndustriALL’s Industry 4.0 expert group, urged deliberate action to build an inclusive digital economy:
“We need to take deliberate measures to ensure equal access to infrastructure, tools, and resources for all youth, regardless of geographical location.”
The forum concluded with a strong commitment to equipping young leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to shape AI’s trajectory. As IndustriALL continues to develop its AI policy, the active participation of youth remains pivotal to crafting a collective strategy that safeguards workers’ rights while embracing innovation.
Image 1: This article is accompanied by an AI-generated image designed to reflect the forum’s themes.