AI, Algorithmic Management and Collective Bargaining in European services: Fast track or slow lane?

Date: 12 October
Time: 13.30-15.00 CET
Online
Important: Zoom link will be provided after the registration, shortly before the event).
Language: English
Interpretation: French, German, Italian & Spanish

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic management (AM) in the workplace has expanded rapidly. These technologies use data collection, monitoring and automated or semi-automated decision-making to manage and coordinate work, often with limited human oversight.

Especially in the services sector, digital tools are increasingly used to monitor, evaluate, schedule and coordinate workers. This raises important questions about workers’ rights, data protection, transparency and the role of collective bargaining. Recent developments, including the EU AI Act and stronger data-protection enforcement, have increased the need to understand how social partners can respond to these challenges.

To examine how trade unions are responding, FES Future of Work and UNI Europa, in cooperation with the Central European Labour Studies Institute (CELSI) and the WageIndicator Foundation, have analysed collective bargaining practices related to AI and algorithmic management in the European services sector.

Building on a 2024 study and two surveys of European services workers, the research provides updated evidence on how trade unions are addressing AI and algorithmic management through collective bargaining. The findings show how union approaches have evolved and identify emerging practices for negotiating rules and safeguards for technologically mediated work.

Joint Launch Event

Therefore, FES Future of Work and UNI Europa invite you to our online launch event on 12 October at 1:30 pm, where researchers Marta Kahancová (CELSI) and Fiona Dragstra (WageIndicator) will present the key findings of the study and discuss with trade union representatives concrete examples and emerging practices.

13:30 – Welcome

Knut Dethlefsen, Director, FES Future of Work
 Oliver Röthig, Regional Secretary, UNI Europa

13:45 – Presentation of Study Findings: Collective Bargaining Practices on AI in the European Services Sector  

Marta Kahancovà, Co-Founder & Managing Director, CELSI
Fiona Dragstra, General Director, WageIndicator

Q&A

14:20 – Have your say on AI at the Workplace -  Collective Baragaining Examples on AI at Work  

Federica Cochi, President, APIQA
N.N.

Q&A

14:55 – 15:00  Wrap-up/ End of event