Advancing Ethical AI: Safeguarding Workers and Fostering Inclusion in Europe

With artificial intelligence reshaping the workplace, it is crucial to continue promoting human-centric AI and advocating for policies that balance strong AI development in Europe with social justice and workers’ rights, a debate at the European Economic Social Committee heard.

At its January plenary session, the EESC held a debate on the deployment of artificial intelligence in the workplace, with statements by EESC President Oliver Röpke, European Commission Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, Deputy Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy of Poland Katarzyna Nowakowska, and ILO senior economist Janine Berg. The EESC opinion on Pro-Worker AI was also presented during the debate.

In his introductory remarks, Röpke stated that

artificial intelligence is one of the most transformative trends of our time, offering immense potential while presenting critical challenges. Today’s debate reaffirmed the importance of anchoring AI policy in the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights.

He added that fairness, inclusion, and social cohesion must be at the heart of this digital transformation and that the EESC remains steadfast in promoting human-centric AI and advocating for policies that balance innovation with social justice and workers’ rights. 

Through collaboration with the European Commission, the ILO and other partners, we aim to ensure AI serves the common good and builds a future that is equitable, ethical, and inclusive for all,

he said.

Mînzatu highlighted that “when we think about AI, in particular in the workplace, we should look into ways to boost our investment in research and innovation and how to simplify the ways in which European companies can develop in this area so that we have our own technologies trained according to European data and based on European values. 

“Abiding by our values on social rights and equality, we ensure that European workers have the same rights in a world with or without AI – that they are protected and that human-centric control is implemented.”

Nowakowska stated that artificial intelligence in the world of work offers tremendous opportunities to increase productivity and competitiveness for businesses but also raises a number of questions about its potential impact on jobs and employment, worker health and safety, working conditions, overall job quality, and the role of social dialogue.

In the opinion, the EESC stresses that social dialogue and worker involvement play a crucial role in preserving workers’ fundamental rights and promoting ‘trustworthy’ AI in the world of work. 

It adds that current rules should address the gaps in the protection of workers’ rights at work and ensure that humans remain in control in all human-machine interactions.

Rapporteur Franca Salis-Madinier stated that the impact of AI on work and employment is not predetermined and that social dialogue – often lacking – is crucial in guaranteeing transparency and human control over the machine. 

In addition to massive training for workers and the general public, this opinion proposes adapting certain legislations to better involve workers, thus maximising the opportunities these technologies offer.

Salis-Madinier stressed that the loopholes in the current legislation should be filled to facilitate social dialogue and avoid fragmenting laws in the various EU Member States. Particular attention should be paid to women, older people, less-skilled workers, and people with disabilities, as they have fewer chances to work with AI and fewer opportunities for training. 

She further emphasised the importance of social dialogue whenever AI is deployed