TUC Cymru
A Welsh way for workers and AI
Wales has been central to the UK labour movement, and now unions in Wales and TUC Cymru are grappling with how to shape AI. Connected by Data has been working in partnership with TUC Cymru on a series of initiatives, ranging from research on how workers in Wales are experiencing and engaging with AI and developing training materials. Connected by Data has also been advising TUC Cymru as part of an AI reference group for trade union members of the Workforce Partnership Group, part of the Welsh government’s social partnership approach to working with unions.
Building on this, we’re delivering a project with TUC Cymru on how worker voice can be embedded into emerging processes and policy on procurement of data and AI systems in the public sector in Wales.
Resources
This briefing is TUC Cymru’s written submission to a short exploratory inquiry by the Senedd’s Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee.
This document was prepared by TUC Cymru’s AI Reference Group on behalf of all their affiliated unions. The group includes representatives of the following unions: CWU, FDA, GMB, PCS and UNISON; representatives of the following bodies: Connected by Data, Fairwork project, Institute for the Future of Work and Dr Philippa Collins.
This report summarises key themes from research conducted by Wales TUC on how trade unionists in Wales understand and are engaging with Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their workplaces.
The research found that there is a high degree of general awareness by workers that AI is already impacting or will impact their working lives. However, the level of engagement with AI is specific to context, technology and sector. There are cross-cutting concerns spanning this varied experience, including implications for equalities.
You can read a web-based version of the report here. An English version of the PDF format report is also available as is a Welsh version.
Events
Digitalisation within the public sector continues at pace. UK Labour is strongly signalling a technology-driven strategy for wide ranging public services reform and a significant role for private sector vendors.
In order to shape public sector digitalisation towards fair and equitable outcomes for workers and communities alike, a range of voices and perspectives need to be meaningfully incorporated at all stages.
As AI is increasingly rolled out in the workplace, a key need is for effective training and learning for trade unionists to shape, resist or use AI and related digital technologies.
In particular, as found in the Wales TUC and Connected by Data report ‘A snapshot of workers in Wales’ understanding and experience of AI’, trade union training and education on AI should be tailored to the needs and experience of workers. This includes introductory, sector and technology specific materials and training on how AI and digital intersect with familiar means of negotiation, for example equalities, health and safety, pay and conditions.
Adam spoke on panel at the Wales TUC Annual Congress focusing on how trade unions are engaging with digitalisation and AI. Hosted by law firm Watkins and Gunn, Adam appeared alongside Tom Hoyle, President-elect of Wales TUC, Chloe Rees organising and development officer at Wales TUC and John James of the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union.
At the Congress, a motion was passed on AI citing the Wales TUC and Connected by Data report ‘A snapshot of workers in Wales’ understanding and experience of AI’.
Not a day goes by where data and AI isn’t in the news. Yet the most prominent voices tend to be tech CEOs, often overly focused on remote and extreme threats.