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Unions Can’t Dictate Workplace AI

The Australian

ENRICHED

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Description

Responsibility for investing in technology rests with business but Labor’s draft plan to give unions ‘co-design’ powers could make low productivity worse.

Summary

This editorial critiques the Australian Labor government's draft proposal to grant unions 'co-design' powers regarding the implementation of AI in the workplace. The analysis argues that such regulatory hurdles could stifle productivity gains and hinder business investment in emerging technologies. While the discourse centers on industrial relations, it touches on the governance of AI adoption within the Australian economy, highlighting a tension between labor protections and the rapid deployment of frontier AI capabilities.

Body

Unions can’t dictate workplace AIResponsibility for investing in technology rests with business but Labor’s draft plan to give unions ‘co-design’ powers could make low productivity worse. All your news for a great price Unlock this story and more with your subscription Digital Pay As You Go $1 a week for 4 weeks($4 min. cost). Then $44 charged every 4 weeks.* No lock-in contract Unlimited access on app & web A digital version of Today’s Paper Daily puzzles & Mind Games Complimentary access to The Wall Street Journal *Read the fine print The Australian Digital subscription costs $4 charged for a duration of 4 weeks, after which it automatically renews to $44 charged every 4 weeks. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. New customers only. Prices after any early discounted periods may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.theaustralian.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. Digital 12 Month Plan $8 a week for the first 12 months($416 min. cost) charged as $32 every 4 weeks. Then $32 charged every 4 weeks.* Lock in & save Enjoy all the benefits of a Digital subscription to The Australian Plus Lock in & save over 12 months *Read the fine print The Australian Digital 12 Month Plan costs $416 (min. cost) for the first 12 months, charged as $32 every 4 weeks. This automatically renews after the first 12 months to be charged as $32 (min. cost) every 4 weeks. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. No cancellations during the first 12 months. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Prices after the first 12 months may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.theaustralian.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. Subscribe Other subscription options Print + Digital Subscriptions Corporate Subscriptions Your Selection: $0 Your Selection – Change selection Today’s Total $0 Read the fine print Terms and Conditions Sorry, we are unable to process your request at this time. Please try again later.