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Union-Business AI Disputes in the Workplace Could Be Forced into Arbitration Under Proposed New NSW Laws

Australian Financial Review

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Date Published
7 Aug 2025
Priority Score
2
Australian
Yes
Created
10 Aug 2025, 01:57 pm

Authors (1)

Description

Companies could be hauled into arbitration over their use of artificial intelligence in surprise NSW Labor proposals to regulate the technology.

Summary

The article highlights a proposed legal framework by the NSW Labor government allowing unions to challenge business use of AI in the workplace. This legislation could compel companies to arbitration over AI-related disputes, especially concerning worker tracking and shift allocation. This move signifies a regional attempt to regulate the complex interplay of AI in industrial relations, with implications for worker rights and safety. However, the article primarily focuses on the regulatory and labor aspects, without delving deeply into existential AI risks.

Body

Work & CareersWorkplaceAIPrint articleDavid Marin-GuzmanWorkplace correspondentAug 8, 2025 – 5.31pmSaveLog 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?LoginCompanies could be hauled into arbitration to deal with union disputes over their use of artificial intelligence as part of broad workplace protections the NSW Labor government is pushing to regulate the technology.The Minns governmentintroduced the country’s first express regulation of AIon Wednesday in proposed amendments to occupational health and safety (OHS) laws, including limiting how the technology can track workers’ performance or allocate shifts, and giving unions powers to inspect digital work systems.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 MoreAIIndustrial relationsNSW State ParliamentTrade unionsChris MinnsWorkplace safetyFetching latest articlesThe 25 new watches you need to know nowLuke Benedictus and Bani McSpeddenWhat OpenAI’s Sam Altman suggests you do to keep your jobThis Australian watch reseller is making its move on London and NYCTop directors tell Chalmers to ditch tax and focus on growthSally PattenClimate reporting: What directors need to know in year oneHow this CEO used an AI podcast to prepare for a panelThis car maker’s first EV is a head turner – but is it worth $124,900?Tony DavisThe stress buster this Sydney VP turns to when work overwhelmsHow to avoid the toxic side of health trackersKroonenburg lands big valuation for AI ad agency CuttableYolanda RedrupJustin Hemmes appeals nightcap knock-backCowin-backed plant-based meat start-up buys US fake chicken rival