The members of the Employers' Group of the European Economic and Social Committee voted strongly against the EESC opinion on "Pro-worker AI: levers for harnessing the potential and mitigating the risks of AI in connection with employment and labour market policies" and put forward a counter-opinion, which will be appended to the EESC opinion as it received a third of the votes (112 in favour, 136 against and 11 abstentions).
In the counter-opinion, the Employers' Group argues that the EU needs to ensure it uses the full potential of AI to improve productivity and well-being at work within the already existing legal framework.
"AI has the potential to yield tremendous benefits in the world of work: it increases competitiveness and productivity, drives innovation, boosts the green transition and supports improvement of working conditions" said Stefano Mallia, President of the EESC Employers' Group.
"The EU has given itself a wide and comprehensive legal framework that now needs to be fully enforced, ensuring that the 'human in command' principle is followed. There is no need for additional legislation, as this also contradicts the current political commitment to reducing reporting requirements by 25%. Changing the existing regulatory framework even before its implementation would send a very negative message in terms of advancement and investment in AI in the EU" he continued.
Indeed, at present Europe is weak in digital technologies such as AI. According to the AI Vibrancy ranking tool, US, China and United Kingdom are top three countries and amongst top 10 countries there are only two EU Members States (France and Germany). This gap will be difficult to overcome.
To support companies effectively, in particular SMEs, in the uptake of AI, there is the need for:
- effective implementation of the existing legislation and guidance, while avoiding at all costs the introduction of additional requirements and multiple reporting;
- strong social dialogue also through reinforcing capacities of social partners while respecting national practices;
- availability of skilled workforce and appropriate training opportunities.
At the same time, there are concerns towards AI, such as work intensification leading to increased stress, increased monitoring and control, lack of human oversight, loss of autonomy and acquired skills becoming quickly obsolete.
To address these fears social partners and social dialogue at all levels have an essential role to play. Promoting responsible and ‘trustworthy’ AI in the world of work requires a positive and enabling environment for social dialogue in accordance with applicable national rules and practices.
In addition, training and new skills are needed to make the most of new data-based tech solutions (including AI) at work. This requires ensuring upskilling of workers and better support for companies.
To benefit from AI's potential to increase competitiveness and productivity, and to ensure that the EU does not lose out on the digital transition, the myths and fears surrounding AI need to be dismantled while focusing on the implementation of the existing legislative framework.
