Industrial Relations and Labour Law

• The International Organisation of Employers (IOE) has published a new policy paper highlighting the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business.
• This document provides strategic guidance for employers on the effective adoption and management of AI technologies.
• Key Takeaways: 

- AI as a Catalyst for Change: AI can optimise processes, enhance customer experiences, and provide competitive advantages.

- Balancing Benefits and Risks: Managing AI's impact on employment, data privacy, and ethical considerations is crucial.

- Strategic Adoption: Employers must proactively implement AI strategies to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.

• The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) has released a new guide titled "Artificial Intelligence: Model Personal Data Protection Framework."
• The PCPD's Model Framework offers employers a structured approach to managing AI technologies while safeguarding personal data privacy.

• The European Social Partners in the banking sector have released a new Joint Declaration addressing the employment aspects of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• European Social Partners emphasise the importance of social dialogue, including collective bargaining, as essential tools for addressing the impacts of new technologies, including AI, on the workplace.
• They commit to ongoing monitoring and analysis of these impacts and stress the role of social dialogue in guiding the transformation of work and work organisation in response to technological advancements.

• On 3 May 2024, the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting adopted revisions to the OECD Principles on Artificial Intelligence (AI), addressing emerging challenges from general-purpose and generative AI.
• These revisions respond to recent technological advancements and address challenges related to privacy, intellectual property rights, safety, and information integrity.
• International Organisation of Employers recently published a policy review providing employers’ organsations with guidelines on issues to assess when integrating this technology into business operations.

• The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) recently released a report on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the labour market. Published on 10 April 2024, it highlights the changing demand for skills and the profound transformation in how work is organised and performed.
• The report emphasises a significant shift in skills demand across sectors due to AI adoption, increasing the need for technical and soft skills like problem-solving and critical thinking.
• AI adoption varies by industry, affecting skill requirements differently across sectors. Employers in technology-intensive fields must prioritise upskilling and reskilling initiatives to cope with rapidly evolving job roles.

• On 13 March 2024, the European Parliament approved the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, with 523 votes in favour, 46 against and 49 abstentions.
• This framework is designed to prevent the fragmentation of regulations across member states, providing a unified legal environment for AI deployment.

• Talenteum, the HR Fintech Startup that matches Talents from Africa willing to work remotely with international companies, recently published a white paper highlighting AI's crucial role in recognising migrant skills and fostering digital inclusion.
• According to the paper, the effective use of AI in integrating migrant talent presents a unique opportunity to enhance workforce diversity, drive innovation, and promote social responsibility.
• The presented challenges and solutions offer a roadmap to more effectively leveraging migrant talent, ensuring that businesses remain competitive and socially responsible in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

• ILO recently published a new report that offers valuable insights into how advanced artificial intelligence (AI), exemplified by GPT-4, compares with human judgment in evaluating occupational roles within the UK labour market.
• It explores the perceptions and attitudes of workers towards integrating AI technologies like GPT-4 into their professional environments and forecasts potential shifts in the labour market influenced by the adoption of AI technologies.