In Germany and several other European countries, workers have a say in how companies use AI. German law requires companies to notify their Works Councils about any plans to introduce AI. These councils are worker management committees found in most German workplaces. They usually discuss how to use AI to help workers, not replace them. This fosters a more cooperative environment for AI adoption.
Strong unions and worker councils in Germany lead to smoother AI rollouts and higher productivity. This benefits both companies and workers. In contrast, U.S. workplaces often make top-down decisions. Employees have little or no input. Many workers in the U.S. don’t even know when their bosses use AI to monitor or speed up their work.
Unionized workplaces can negotiate about AI when it affects working conditions. They can also push for protections against harmful AI effects. Hollywood's writers and actors unions won important protections on AI during their strike. This shows that workers can influence how AI is used.
Experts warn that if companies can roll out AI without worker input, it might increase production and profits only for corporations. This would leave workers with few gains and might increase income inequality. Workers could face stress, job loss, and faster work paces. Society might need to spend billions on unemployment insurance, health coverage, and other aids for displaced workers.
To reduce AI’s negative effects, several steps are needed. Governments should require companies to notify workers when using AI tools for monitoring. Perhaps future laws might also require companies to notify workers if they are going to be replaced by AI. This could help workers recover from sudden layoffs.