The Finance Sector Union (FSU) has welcomed recommendations to strengthen workers’ voices and rights in the report released today by the House Standing Committee’s Inquiry into the Digital Transformation of Workplaces.
The FSU made a submission to this inquiry due to concerns about the increasing use of AI without proper regulation.
Finance Sector Union National Assistant Secretary Nicole McPherson said workers must benefit from the new potential and efficiency gains of AI technologies, rather than all of the benefits flowing to businesses to further increase their profits.
“Many of the recommendations of today’s report reflect what finance sector workers are calling for.
“This includes stronger protections for workers against workplace surveillance – which our members tell us is pervasive in their workplaces.
“We support the recommendations for new worker consultation measures, rights for workers to control their own data, controlling the use of AI in high-risk settings, and greater transparency on employer liability around the use of AI.”
Yesterday, the FSU released findings of a survey of 2200 finance sector workers across the country, which found that workers feel unprepared for the implementation of AI platforms in their workplaces.
Over half of those surveyed said their workplaces had adopted AI technologies, yet almost two thirds had not received any training and fewer than one in 10 felt they had a good understanding of AI.
“Our survey found that finance workers are not receiving the training and education required to use AI at work.
“Finance workers understand that technological change from AI is inevitable and they want to be part of the future of finance. But as things stand, they are being left out and this is creating negativity and fears around job security.
“The implementation of AI in the finance sector must include job security, training and education of the workforce as a priority, and place worker inclusion at the centre.
“The FSU looks forward to continuing to work with the Government on laws to ensure that AI is safe, ethical and benefits everyone in our community.”
The FSU is at Parliament House in Canberra this week to speak with key federal politicians and call for greater regulation to support the ethical adoption of AI in workplaces.
Media contact: Rebecca Nicholson – 0409 216 053
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