SIPTU calls for worker safeguards on AI at Athlone conference
At its ongoing conference in Athlone's Hodson Bay Hotel, SIPTU has called for protections for workers affected by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and stronger action against subcontracting abuses.
The calls were made at its Transport, Energy, Aviation & Construction (TEAC) Divisional Biennial Delegate Conference, which continues today (Friday, October 9).
Yesterday, delegates unanimously passed an Aviation Sector motion on AI, covering its use in areas including rostering, maintenance, security screening and performance monitoring. It called for workforce impact assessments for major automation projects.
SIPTU TEAC Divisional Organiser, Willie Noone, said: “AI can improve efficiency and safety in aviation and other areas, but workers must have a say in how it is introduced. Human judgement must remain central to safety-critical operations, and technological progress must bring benefits for workers.”
He added: “We are calling for mandatory consultation with workers and their unions, industry-funded training, and protection against compulsory redundancy through retraining and redeployment. The government must ensure transparency in the use of AI and introduce a national Just Transition for Aviation Workers framework.”
Delegates also endorsed a Construction Sector motion calling for legislation limiting subcontracting tiers, transparency throughout the supply chain, and stronger enforcement against bogus self-employment, including increased workplace inspections and penalties for employers who deliberately misclassify workers.
Speaking in support of the motion, SIPTU National Executive Council member Willie O’Shaughnessy said: “Public money should be used to build Ireland’s infrastructure, not to create unnecessarily long chains of subcontracting where money is taken out at every level while workers at the bottom are left carrying the risk.”
He added: “We also need to tackle the issue of bogus self-employment. Workers who should be directly employed can find themselves classified as self-employed, potentially leaving them without their full employment rights, protections and benefits to which employees are entitled.”
He also called for effective trade union access to construction sites to monitor employment standards and inform workers of their rights.
The conference continues today with a panel discussion on public procurement, collective bargaining and subcontracting.
Participants will include ICTU General Secretary, Owen Reidy; European Federation of Building and Woodworkers General Secretary, Tom Deleu; and University of Limerick academic Juliet McMahon. The discussion will be moderated by SIPTU Construction Sector Official Rory Hawkins.