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

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 further highlighted 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.

On 12 October, FES Future of Work and UNI Europa held an online launch event to present and discuss the findings of the study. Researchers Marta Kahancová (CELSI) and Fiona Dragstra (WageIndicator) presented the key findings and discussed concrete examples and emerging practices with trade union representatives.

The event provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on how collective bargaining can help address the challenges posed by AI and algorithmic management and strengthen safeguards for workers in the European services sector.

Recording of the Launch Event
 

coming soon

Further Information

AI, Algorithmic Management and Collective Bargaining - Report

Key findings of the report - presentation by Marta Kahancovà and Fiona Dragstra

Further reports and database on this topic - FES Future of Work

Unions put AI on the bargaining table, new FES-UNI Europa study finds - Articly by UNI Europa

Topic Artificial Intelligence - UNI Europa

Programme
 

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, Central European Labour Institute (CELSI)
Fiona Dragstra, General Director, WageIndicator

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

Federica Cochi, President, APIQA-CGIL
Bjørn Tore Sund, Deputy Chair, NITO

Q&A

14:55 – 15:00  Wrap-up/ End of event