PRESS RELEASE Artificial intelligence is an opportunity for the industrial sector

Hanover – IG Metall emphasizes the opportunities that artificial intelligence (AI) presents for Germany as an industrial hub. “The use of AI is an important competitive factor. We see potential for major productivity gains and significant cost reductions that do not have to come at the expense of employees. Increased use of AI is a possible solution to the shortage of skilled workers,” said Christiane Benner, the union’s president, in Hanover.

At the Engineering and IT Conference, which runs through Friday, experts on high-profile panels will discuss, for example, the prerequisites for ethical AI, exemplary company agreements on the use of AI in human resources, and the implications and requirements of the “AI Act,” the European Union’s AI legislation. The conference is organized by the Hans Böckler Foundation in cooperation with IG Metall.

IG Metall views the “AI Act” as a sound legal foundation for the use of artificial intelligence. Christiane Benner called for a robust legal framework: “In addition to the AI Act, we must above all utilize and expand co-determination rights in this area, as well as data protection and health protection measures. IG Metall will also advocate for an effective employee data protection law.”

Daniel Hay, Research Director of the Institute for Co-determination and Corporate Governance (I.M.U.) at the Hans Böckler Foundation, said: “Research findings show that companies with strong co-determination offer better working conditions and are more economically successful than others. For example, they are more likely to pursue an innovation- and investment-oriented strategy for the future that pays off in the long term. This particular value of co-determination must also be reflected in the use of AI.”

According to IG Metall, effective implementation processes within companies are also crucial to ensuring acceptance and effective applications. For the use of AI in the workplace, rules and guidelines for risk classification, impact assessment, and implementation processes must be established.