ILO pushes employers to share AI gains with workers
The International Labour Organisation called on employers to distribute productivity gains from artificial intelligence to employees through higher wages and stronger protections, citing growing workforce unrest as organizations deploy AI systems.
Gilbert F. Houngbo, ILO director-general, made the case at the 114th International Labour Conference, which runs through June 12. He said workers must benefit fairly from AI-driven productivity increases and that collective bargaining remains essential alongside transparent AI governance.
Unrest over AI adoption spreads
Employee concerns about AI range from data privacy to job security. Samsung Electronics nearly faced industrial action from two major unions demanding better compensation as the company posted soaring profits amid demand for memory chips tied to AI adoption.
Workers globally face growing insecurity as AI tools assume tasks previously handled by people, raising redundancy risks.
Policy choices shape outcomes
Houngbo stressed that technology alone won't determine the future of work. Policies, institutions, and social dialogue will guide how AI reshapes employment.
"The choices we make today will determine whether AI broadens opportunity and shared prosperity or deepens inequality and insecurity," he said.
He outlined priorities for managing AI's workforce impact:
- Investing in skills development
- Strengthening labour and social protections
- Supporting small and medium enterprises
- Upholding fundamental worker rights
Global divide threatens developing nations
An ILO report from 2024 warned of an emerging "AI divide" across countries. Uneven AI implementation will disproportionately benefit advanced economies while leaving low- and middle-income countries behind, risking wider income and quality-of-life gaps.
Houngbo called for a strategic agenda built on four pillars: rights, employment, skills, social protection, and social dialogue. He said the conference will help delegates share experiences and chart a shared path forward that advances decent work and inclusion.
HR professionals overseeing AI adoption can explore AI for Human Resources to understand implementation best practices, or pursue the AI Learning Path for CHROs to develop strategy aligned with these principles.
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