Artificial intelligence is now used in many parts of the economy. It supports production lines in factories, optimises logistics, shapes online retail, analyses financial risks and guides decisions in customer services and care activities. It is also present in everyday tools that schedule work, track performance, route calls or support management decisions. For many workers, AI is no longer a distant idea but something that already affects tasks, pace, autonomy and supervision. This raises simple but crucial questions. What is really new about AI, who decides how it is used and what does it mean for people at work?
Across Europe, AI and algorithmic systems are starting to influence how tasks are allocated, how performance is measured and how decisions that affect workers’ interests are made. This could bring promises of efficiency and innovation, but also concerns about job security, surveillance, fairness, working conditions and health & environment. European Works Councils often find themselves on the front line of these changes, while still searching for clear information and practical methods to respond.
At Syndex, we are convinced of one thing. Workers’ representatives are not powerless in the face of AI. On the contrary, you have real tools and rights that allow you to influence the future development. Through information and consultation, EWC members can ask the right questions early, anticipate the impacts of AI projects, demand transparency, limit risks and insist on fair treatment for workers in all countries concerned.
This guide is designed to support you in that role. It aims to:
- explain in clear terms what AI is and how companies use it in practice ;
- identify the main impacts on employment, skills, working conditions and health and safety & environment ;
- show how EWCs can use their rights to information and consultation in AI-related projects.
AI at work should not be something that employees simply endure. It should be discussed, questionned, and negociated at the relevant level whenever possible. Building on Syndex’s experience with employee representatives across Europe, this guide aims to help you develop balanced social dialogue on AI, so that the future of work is discussed and decided together rather than imposed.
