Liberal AI strategy puts Big Tech ahead of workers: CUPE

OTTAWA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Canada’s largest union says the Liberal government’s artificial intelligence strategy announced Thursday is putting the profits of Big Tech billionaires ahead of workers and the public by soft-pedalling protections against the risks of AI. CUPE is concerned the strategy is sorely lacking in measures to address the risks of AI harms to workers: nothing to strengthen income protections for workers who lose their jobs due to AI, and no assurances that workers' privacy and data protection rights will be protected.

The Liberals claim they slowed down their rushed consultation process and listened to people’s concerns about AI. But the federal AI strategy still pushes sweeping adoption of this overhyped technology and ignores widespread calls for AI protections.

“Workers need laws that address the very real risks of AI,” said CUPE National President Mark Hancock. “The rush to profit from AI is happening in a regulatory vacuum. If the government doesn’t put up guardrails, workers will be managed by algorithms no one can see or challenge, and it will do real harm.”

The risks to workers from AI include jobs being dramatically transformed or eliminated, invasive electronic surveillance, unaccountable algorithms managing workers, and AI-led decisions that are biased or discriminatory.

In consultations about the strategy, CUPE called for laws mandating transparency when AI systems are introduced in the workplace, restrictions and safeguards when employers use algorithms to manage workers, and strong data protection and privacy laws in the workplace.

“We need transparency around AI implementation. AI can erase jobs, facilitate intrusive surveillance, and discriminate against workers,” said CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick. “Public trust in AI is low, and the Liberal strategy will keep it that way. Workers, experts and the public need to be calling the shots about how this technology gets used in our workplaces and in our communities – not Big Tech with its vested interests.”

CUPE has pressed Evan Solomon, the minister responsible for AI, to give the public a real say in shaping AI policy in Canada. It’s the only way to ensure workers and ordinary people share in the benefits of this new technology, instead of being hurt by it.