Enhancing quality in employment and working conditions by introducing and promoting related tools (incl. AI) and strengthening social dialogue and collective bargaining

Key points

The EESC:

• underlines that artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic management (AM) can improve the quality of employment and working conditions if they respect the human-in-control principle, while also supporting economically, environmentally and socially sustainable growth by enhancing productivity and competitiveness in Europe;

• recognises the potential of AI as a strategic lever to strengthen occupational safety and health, provided that risks of discrimination or misuse are prevented;

• highlights that the use of AI can enhance work organisation and work-life balance;

• acknowledges the contribution of AI and labour market intelligence tools in anticipating skills needs and supporting training, reskilling and professional development pathways;

• draws attention to the risks associated with the introduction of AI and AM, in particular in terms of work intensification, increased psychosocial risks, reduced decision-making autonomy and technostress. In line with the OSH framework, which requires employers to assess all risks to workers’ health and safety, these risks fall within the scope of the OSH risk assessment where relevant and should be addressed through appropriate measures, with the involvement of social partners and through collective bargaining at the appropriate level;

• Underlines the importance of ensuring transparency, explainability and fairness in the use of AI and AM systems;

• underlines the pivotal importance of promoting transparent, proportionate and adequately safeguarded data use, including clear limits on the use of intrusive applications;

• supports the European Parliament resolution calling on the Commission to carry out a thorough assessment of existing legislation related to the deployment of AI and AM tools in the workplace and, on the basis of its results, to present an EU proposal specifically dedicated to AM at work to fully address the specificities of its impact on working conditions, while avoiding the creation of overlapping legal instruments and improving harmonisation of the internal market; 

• acknowledges that currently applicable provisions, including those deriving from the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) should be fully implemented and enforced as regards the introduction of AI and AM tools in the workplace; this presents an opportunity to extend to all workers the principles of the Platform Work Directive on AM in order to strengthen their protections; 

• underlines the central role of social dialogue and collective bargaining at all levels, as well as structured cooperation between the EU AI Office, the European Commission and the social partners, in ensuring that the deployment of AI contributes to a fair, inclusive and competitive digital transition, systematically taking into account the dimensions of gender, generations and vulnerability as well as the needs of SMEs.

Background

This opinion is prepared at the request of the incoming Cypriot Presidency of the EU. The EESC was invited to deliver an opinion on how the EU and its Member States can best:

1. Introduce and promote effective tools, including AI-based solutions, to enhance the quality of employment and working conditions, ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in their use.

2. Strengthen social dialogue and collective bargaining as fundamental mechanisms for shaping fair and inclusive labour markets in a rapidly changing economic and technological context.

The incoming Presidency considers that the opinion of the EESC will provide valuable guidance to EU institutions and Member States in shaping future initiatives, ensuring that policies to foster innovation and competitiveness go hand in hand with the promotion of quality employment, fair working conditions, and strong social dialogue.

Background: Promoting quality in employment and working conditions is a core priority of the European Union and an essential element of the European Pillar of Social Rights. In a labour market increasingly shaped by digitalization and the use of Artificial Intelligence, it is vital to ensure that technological innovation serves to improve job quality, strengthen health and safety at work, and protect workers’ rights. At the same time, social dialogue and collective bargaining play a crucial role in ensuring decent work, supporting inclusive transitions, and reinforcing social cohesion. Their capacity to adapt to structural changes, including the digital and green transitions, is key to safeguarding both competitiveness and social justice.