Press Release No. 34/2018 IG Metall Calls for Employee Participation in Dealing with Artificial Intelligence

Cologne – IG Metall has called for early employee participation in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) within companies. “Our response to the challenges of artificial intelligence is ‘critical intelligence.’ That is why works councils must be informed at an early stage about AI applications that directly affect employees and must have a say in their implementation,” demanded Christiane Benner, Second Chair of IG Metall, at the 10th Engineering and IT Conference organized by the Hans Böckler Foundation and IG Metall on Tuesday in Cologne. “AI applications are intended to relieve the burden on people and thus create space for higher-value activities. Employees must be trained for these new tasks in a forward-looking and timely manner. Or does anyone seriously expect a million software developers to just fall from the sky?” Benner continued.

Under the umbrella term “AI,” various developments such as machine learning, algorithm-based processes, and artificial intelligence are currently being discussed. AI is not a passing fad but will have a major impact on the future of work. Its areas of application are already diverse: they range from digital assistance systems in the office to chatbots in customer service and applications in assisted driving. Currently, within IG Metall’s area of responsibility, there is no discernible general trend toward job losses associated with this development, but rather a shift toward more analytical and process-oriented work. “At the moment, the use of AI is still in its infancy. Our goal is to ensure good working conditions for all employees, even in the age of digitalization,” Benner said before an audience of 270 engineering and IT experts from over 80 companies.

To assess the consequences for employees, the Second Chair of IG Metall proposes a comprehensive “company atlas” detailing the impacts of digitalization and the potential applications of AI. “We want to assess in every company which areas and departments are using AI. The new technologies must not lead to increased workloads, greater surveillance, the de-skilling of workers, or job cuts,” the union leader emphasized. In addition, clear principles must be established for the use of AI. “Computers should not make decisions for people, but should only be used to support decision-making. We need an ethical framework for data science,” Benner demanded.