Why EWCs should keep a close eye on AI 

In addition to the newly agreed 15% Trump tariffs and the growing uncertainty surrounding global supply chains, there is another development that will undoubtedly impact employees: Artificial Intelligence (AI).

And just like with the Trump Tariffs, it is certain that AI will have a significant effect, but it’s far from clear where how and when that impact will be felt.  

We are already seeing AI influence the day-to-day work of employees, particularly in administrative and support roles. Tools like ChatGPT-like applications are already part of the workflow helping employees to work faster, and more effectively. But do these tools make their work more enjoyable or meaningful? Higher quality? Or does it simply require people to do more work with fewer resources.?  
 
That varies from situation to situation. It’s up to EWCs to remain alert to how AI is introduced and make clear agreements with management to ensure that AI increases the effectiveness of organizations and serves long term goals and is not just used for short-term cost savings. AI can improve productivity and quality, but only if implemented in a way that supports, and not replaces, well-trained employees. Human input, oversight, and creativity remain vital for maintaining service quality and delivering real value.

AI should be seen as a tool that enables employees to be better, not as a shortcut to reduce headcount. It is not at all yet capable of matching human originality or insight.

This doesn’t mean that we, as EWCs, should simply accept it. We need to be critical and (pro)active to make sure that AI can really serve as an extra tool for employees.

We should bring critical insights, local knowledge and the human ‘touch’ to the AI conversation. Not to resist innovation but to shape it wisely.

Here’s a little checklist for EWCs dealing with the introduction of AI:

• Introduction of the technology – ask for a demo
• What is the impact on people – job roles, skills, workloads
• Data protection – (Data Protection Impact assessments – DPIA) – processing employee data
• Monitoring & auditing evaluation tools for the system
• Will people receive training – being reskilled etc.
• Make sure the EWC is involved in monitoring the AI impact.

It’s in no way complete, but it’s a start. What other AI issues should EWCs be watching out for?