ACTU Advocates for Workers' Right to Refuse AI Use if Not in Public Interest
Australian Financial Review
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Details
- Date Published
- 15 June 2025
- Priority Score
- 3
- Australian
- Yes
- Created
- 16 June 2025, 12:50 pm
Description
Unions want a right to refuse to use AI if it’s not in the public interest in measures that may clash with the Labor’s light-touch approach at its productivity roundtable.
Summary
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is lobbying for workers to have the right to refuse the use of artificial intelligence if it is deemed not in the public interest. This demand comes amidst the Albanese government's proposed light-touch regulation of AI at its productivity roundtable, indicating potential policy conflicts. The ACTU's policy highlights a broader push for worker empowerment over AI use, beyond conventional training and consultation. This development is significant within the context of Australian labor rights and AI governance, emphasizing worker safety concerns amidst rapid technological adoption.
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Work & CareersWorkplaceProductivityPrint articleDavid Marin-GuzmanWorkplace correspondentJun 16, 2025 – 6.53pmSaveLog inorSubscribeto save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber?LoginUnions want workers to have the right to refuse to use artificial intelligence if it’s not in the public interest in measures that may clash with the Albanese government’s light-touch approach at its upcoming productivity roundtable.The previously unreported demands detailed in the Australian Council of Trade Unions’ AI policy and endorsed at the most recent ACTU Congress, show union ambitions go beyondjust mandated training and consultationabout the emerging technology to more ambitious workers’ powers over AI.Loading...David Marin-Guzmanwrites about industrial relations, workplace, policy and leadership from Sydney.Connect withDavidonTwitter.EmailDavidatdavid.marin-guzman@afr.comSaveLog inorSubscribeto save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber?LoginLicense articleFollow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.Find out moreRead MoreProductivityAIIndustrial relationsFetching latest articlesThe top whisky you can buy without going on a waiting listMax AllenThe luxury travel trend you probably haven’t consideredThe restaurant that’s turning back the clock (in the best way)Forget WFH – what it’s really like to ‘work from anywhere’Rachael BoltonThe US governance model taking over Australian boardroomsThis CEO wakes at 5am, but doesn’t get in to work till 10amFlinching at a hybrid Porsche? Here’s why you’re wrongTony DavisThese travel headphones have removed their silliest featureNeed travel inspiration? Follow the fashion crowdBillionaires Escalante and Arnaout taking liberties with ASICPrimrose RiordanCinema giant flags part-sale of Sydney’s George Street complexAnnie Cannon-Brookes steps out on her own