AI Transforms Workplaces, Israel Lags in Union Agreements
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the world of work, impacting everything from employee recruitment and performance evaluation to decisions about layoffs. Despite Israel's leading role in AI adoption, there's a significant lack of collective bargaining agreements addressing its use in the workplace. Researchers are urging labor unions to become more involved in shaping the rules and implementation of AI systems.
Prof. Einat Al-Albin, who co-organized a recent conference on the topic at Tel Aviv University, highlighted that while Israeli unions recognize the importance of regulating AI in employment, concrete agreements are scarce. She noted that unions in Europe and the U.S. have been negotiating AI-related issues for years, covering privacy, employee monitoring, decision-making processes, and worker well-being. Al-Albin stressed the need for union involvement before AI systems are implemented, criticizing developers for not adequately considering employee impact, a gap she believes regulators should address.
Massimo Manci, a senior official at UNI Global Union, emphasized the principle of "no AI entry without negotiation" and "no automation without worker representation." He stated that AI can either ease work and bring prosperity or be used for oppression and justification for layoffs. Manci pointed out that while AI can automate up to 90% of tasks in some sectors, the remaining human dependency presents an opportunity for unions to ensure workers are not left behind. He also noted the trend of AI agents making decisions and the potential for layoffs, warning against companies that rush to dismiss staff without considering the loss of organizational culture and knowledge.
Experts at the conference discussed how AI is integrated throughout the employee lifecycle, from initial screening and hiring to performance management and termination. Dr. Tami Katchbi emphasized that AI systems in recruitment, which are used by 99% of companies, can gather public data and infer suitability without transparency. She warned of potential algorithmic discrimination, such as AI screening out candidates likely to form unions, and noted that AI can analyze speech patterns and even accents during interviews, potentially disadvantaging candidates. The pervasive data collection by AI systems raises significant privacy concerns, impacting employee autonomy and dignity, as exemplified by Amazon's use of wristbands to monitor worker movements. Several European countries have already mandated consultation with employee representatives on AI implementation.
While the Israeli Ministry of Labor is examining AI's impact and considering recommendations, it may favor collective agreements and expansion orders over top-down government regulation, as these processes are faster and more adaptable. Legal experts suggest that labor court rulings can also play a role, advocating for human values like patience and empathy to be embedded in algorithms. Conversely, some argue that regulation can foster stability and create new jobs related to oversight and human judgment. Dr. Thila Schwartz-Altshuler from the Israel Democracy Institute described the evolving workplace as "multi-hybrid," where AI is becoming a social player, influencing relationships and even leading meetings. Her research indicates that humans quickly cede control to AI in decision-making processes, sometimes adopting the AI's aggressive communication style. She stressed that final decisions must remain human, fair, and reviewable, questioning the notion of true AI intelligence versus statistically driven systems programmed by humans.
