The Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) says they are supportive of the digitising and adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) practices.
However, this must be a consultative approach and not breach workers’ rights or rights of trade unions and their right to collective bargaining, says its general treasurer Muniappa Goundar.
Speaking at an event to mark the World Day For Safety And Health At Work in Suva recently, he said not all technology could function without human intervention.
“Workers need to be properly trained to use Al, hence employers are expected to invest in training or retraining,” Mr Goundar said. “Sometimes more hands are needed to operate the AI.
“The right of workers to be consulted and informed of the changes taking place must be encouraged.
“Does the introduction of AI technology require additional tasks or less or even more, and does it make the task easier/efficient?
“How much of the workforce — the young and the seniors — can grapple with the change in work practices due to technology or automation?”
He said with the integration of AI in the workforce, working conditions would change.
“An official mobile given to an employee means, or an instant message device means there is no cut off time of work.
“How does this reflect in the benefits and rewards system of the company? Is the worker able to work such hours and is there work life balance?”
Mr Goundar said this would also widen inequalities in wage and the true value of human labour would become unknown or undervalued.
“Reduction of paperwork means transactions or tasks done without the supervisor having a look at how much work was done to complete a task. How does this motivate the employee?”
Mr Goundar said trade unions must be empowered to negotiate Al deployment strategies that enhance job quality and productivity while ensuring fairness, worker autonomy and collective decision-making.”
