AI and the impact on the workplace
PCS assistant general secretary John Moloney writes about what AI means for workers and reps.
AI and associated technologies are beginning to have a big impact on the world of work as well as in wider society.
PCS is clear that new AI systems should only be introduced following consultation and agreement with the union. While PCS recognises that AI will impact on job roles, we argue it should only be allowed to reduce the number of jobs on the understanding that AI is used to enhance jobs and not to degrade them and therefore prevent humans being reduced to “machine minders”.
“No AI system should be introduced if, in part or whole, it is designed to make any decision that affects humans”
No AI system should be introduced if, in part or whole, it is designed to make any decision that affects humans. It should not be used to select staff for recruitment, promotion, transfer to another post or dismissal. It should not remove existing decision making from humans or automate decision making. Nor should it be used to allocate, monitor, or evaluate the work of humans or undertake any form of surveillance of humans.
Lastly productivity gains, made through the introduction and use of AI, should be shared with workers in the form of reduced hours and increased pay. Like all technologies, it can be used for good or bad. Our aim is that it should be used for the good of PCS members.