Artificial intelligence, work, power imbalance and democracy – why co-determination is essential

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has growing impact on working life. Risks of job losses, discrimination, data protection violations, surveillance pressure and health hazards require legal regulation. But which legal framework is necessary to effectively protect the rights and interests of workers? Workplace co-determination can help to minimize risks and reap the benefits of AI systems. It is therefore a problem that collective, co-determinated solutions do not seem to be considered in the drafting of the AI Act at EU level. This does not live up to the aspirations currently expressed in the European Pillar of Social Rights, and some member states go decidedly further, too. Fair AI requires involvement and empowerment of the workforce. Otherwise, the intended "human-centered" approach to AI in the world of work remains just a phrase.

Keywords

• artificial intelligence
• algorithmic management
• works council
• co-determination in the digital transformation
• collective regulation
• data protection
• democracy at workplace