Unions Push Back Against AI-Driven Job Cuts in Public Sector Negotiations
— theglobeandmail.com
Key Takeaway
Public-sector unions are pushing to include clauses in collective agreements that prevent the use of AI as a justification for staffing cuts. This effort faces resistance from employers who view AI as essential for workforce transformation, raising concerns about potential job losses.
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From the Original Report
Open this photo in gallery: Government office buildings in Gatineau, Que. A number of federal public-sector unions have proposed changes to collective agreements to add that AI should not be used as justification to reduce staffing. Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press Share Save for later Please log in to bookmark this story.
Log In Create Free Account Major unions are trying to codify language around artificial intelligence and layoffs into collective agreements, a push that is facing resistance from employers, who see the technology as integral to transforming their work forces.
A number of federal public-sector unions currently negotiating new contracts have proposed specific changes to existing collective agreements that state AI should not be used as a justification by management to reduce staffing.
But the inclusion of those clauses has become a subject of much contention at the bargaining table, according to union representatives. “Our collective agreements have not kept pace with technology … so we are pushing to change that but it’s an uphill battle,” said Sean O’Reilly, president of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of
This is an excerpt. Read the full article at theglobeandmail.com.
Original Source
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