Tip Tuesday: Navigating AI in the Unionized Workplace: Five Questions for Labor Leaders
Before implementing AI-driven employee monitoring, involve Labor Relations, HR, Legal, and affected operational leaders. Proactive planning and communications can help prevent unexpected grievances, bargaining obligations, and disputes over how the technology is used.
Below are five questions labor leaders should ask within a unionized environment before implementing anything:
- Does the collective bargaining agreement address electronic, audio, and/or video monitoring, technology, facial recognition, fingerprints, or AI?
- Do you have a management rights clause that allows you to implement monitoring and new technology?
- Could the new technology and/or AI affect working conditions, performance standards, or discipline?
- Does the union have a right to notice or bargain before implementation?
- How will monitoring data or information collected be used and who will have access to it?