State measures needed to handle AI
by Mehak Dugal
 
The union had also warned that the introduction of AI should not be used as cover for outsourcing.
The union had also warned that the introduction of AI should not be used as cover for outsourcing.

The spread of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not expected to lead to net job losses. But it will mean that certain jobs will disappear, to be replaced with new employment opportunities over time. That’s according to a recent report from the expert group on future skills needs, which advises the Government on skills and labour market issues.

 

But Fórsa has warned that strong State measures will be required to ensure that everyone shares in the potential benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) and other new technologies. That came following the launch of Ireland’s first national artificial intelligence strategy last year.

 

A 2019 Fórsa report on automation made the case for dialogue, consultation and agreement with unions when employers sought to introduce major new technologies.

 

The report, Acting On Automation, also highlighted the need for training and skills development for workers under threat of ‘job displacement’ as AI becomes more embedded in the economy, a point echoed in the group’s report. The union had also warned that the introduction of AI should not be used as cover for outsourcing.

 

The report said AI had the potential to improve work-life balance by reducing working time. This would help ensure that the productivity benefits of new technologies are shared between businesses and their staff.

 

In the same year, a Fórsa submission to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform said civil and public service management should work with unions to ensure that the introduction of new technologies did not lead to job losses, outsourcing or poorer services.

 

Fórsa’s civil service head Derek Mullen, who penned the paper, said the union would not oppose the introduction of new technologies like AI, but added that technological advancement should not undermine services or jobs. He pointed to the experience of Revenue, where new forms of work organisation, supported by retraining, had increased the tax-take and improved audit and fraud control rather than cutting jobs.

 

Read the new expert group on future skills needs report HERE.

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