The committee released a roadmap for the next Quality Jobs Act on Thursday, saying jobs measures planned for next year could include rules on algorithmic management and remote work.
The roadmap states that the law could address AI in the workplace, particularly the use of AI-driven software to manage workers. The EU is already debating and passing rules on this type of AI use when workers provide services through platform companies such as Uber. However, the European Commission is considering going further.
The Quality Jobs Act will also build on input from employers and trade unions on the conditions associated with remote working, with a potential ‘right to disconnect’ at its core. Trade unions are keen to demand the right of employees to be undisturbed in the workplace outside of working hours.
Both of these areas being considered for inclusion in the Quality Jobs Act are controversial, and the committee has not yet decided how exactly next year’s proposals will address these areas.
Employment Commissioner Roxanne Minzatou said on Thursday she wanted to investigate how AI is transparently used in the workplace, as well as consider ethical limits and proportionality for users of the technology.
He also referred to the EU’s AI law, saying: “These are many topics that are not covered by the current framework. That framework is primarily about product safety and not about the relationship between employers and workers employing AI.”
The new rules in this area will also be relevant to DG CNECT, another arm of the Commission headed by Technical Committee Member Henna Virkunen.
Regarding his relationship with Virkkunen, Minsatu said they were working closely together and suggested they shared a “consistent” view in wanting a trusted environment to foster the spread of AI.
With the collapse of social partnership talks between employers and trade unions in 2023, the ball is in the European Commission’s court regarding a possible right to exit. Since then, the EU Executive has been listening to both sides and should try to bring them together in the next proposal.
Parliament’s employment committee also recently called for new binding rules on AI in the workplace, but the report has not yet passed the full parliament and could be blocked by business-focused political groups.
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