Social partners together towards a better and effective regulation of Artificial Intelligence for a just transition to the work of the future

Vanya Andreeva, Ambassador of Republic of Bulgaria in Ireland

The project runs over a period of two years and includes a number of actions. The key objectives are as follows:

• To study the national context, existing legislative measures and social partners’ strategies and initiatives related to the impact of AI on industrial relations Thus the analysis will address issues like human-in control principle, algorithmic management and decision-making, protection of human dignity from the impact of algorithmic systems at work and from psychosocial risks, social partners training systems for employee retention (and AI usage in particular), how the data from algorithmic management impact the collective bargaining and the conclusion of collective labour agreements;
• To address the challenges faced by social dialogue deriving from the two pillars of the Framework Agreement on Digitalisation a) Artificial Intelligence and Guaranteeing the Human in Control Principle and b) Respect of Human Dignity and Surveillance, and the new opportunities presented by digitalisation;
• To make a comparative analysis of the trends in the partner countries and to elaborate guidelines for monitoring and managing the AI at company level, based on the research and study in the 7 partner countries and the European and national events conducted as part of the project;
• To support the European social partners in their endeavours for the adoption of an EU Directive on Algorithmic Systems at Work and to raise awareness and enhance the capacity of the national social partners to introduce, in their respective countries, new regulations on the use of AI and respecting the human in control principle when using algorithmic management;

• To improve the understanding of employers, workers and their representatives of the opportunities in, and challenges to, the world of work resulting from AI and to ensure a just transition to the workplace of the future;
• Within the context of the new employment relations imposed by the new technologies and especially AI, to organise discussions and exchange experience and good practice examples and the role of the social partners and social dialogue in this process in the context of its new dimensions at national and transnational levels;

The main target groups are representative trade union and employer organisations at the EU and at Member States’ levels and National and EU policymakers. The project will include various research activities, study visits, round tables and workshops, including a final conference. Dissemination of the results will be through publications of National Reports and a final Consolidated Report.

ASSOCIATED PARTNERS

European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC)

Malta Business Foundation (MBB)

Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation (IBEC)

Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA)

Confederation of Employers and Industrialists of Bulgaria (KRIB)

AFFILIATED ENTITY

Fondazione Giuseppe Di Vittorio (FDV)

15 October 2024

Fórsa offices, Nerney’s Court

Dublin D01 R2C5

The first public event was a project Round Table event held in Dublin on October 15 th, 2024.  Organised by SIPTU, the Round Table was held at FÓRSA’s offices in Dublin. The event included opening addresses by the Bulgarian Ambassador to Ireland, her Excellency Vanya Andreeva, and the Executive Director of the European Foundation Ivailo Kalfin. The programme featured a number of high-calibre presentations by Irish and International Experts in AI, including contributions from the European Trade Union Confederation and Business Europe. The Round Table programme and linked presentations can be downloaded below.

Mary Connaughton, Director, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Ireland

From left to right; John King, Deputy General Secretary, SIPTU. Vanya Andreeva, Ambassador of Republic of Bulgaria in Ireland. Ina Atanasova, Project manager, CITUB. Eamonn Cahill, Principal Officer, AI and Digital Regulation Unit Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Brian McGann, Project Coordinator, SIPTU, IE. Catherine Keogh, National Secretary, Fórsa

4 December 2025

The European Commission Representation Office

5 Balfe Street,

Dublin D02 E7K4

The Forum then received a presentation case study by Dr Gareth Murphy, Head of Industrial Relations and Campaigns, Financial Services Union who have recently concluded a collective agreement with Bank of Ireland. Mr Murphy outlined in detail the collective agreement concluded with Bank of Ireland which consists of four main points:

• Human centric approach to AI use – human in command principle
• Inform and consult regularly with union on AI
• Any material impacts negotiated through our collective bargaining procedures
• Prioritise training and reskilling for long term job security

Dr Valentina Paolucci of the School of Business at Maynooth University, reported on research that she is undertaking, commissioned by Eurofound,  to examine the regulation of AI in collective bargaining and the role of social dialogue in facilitating conversations around AI implementation in Ireland. Ms Paolucci reported that responses are fragmented and collective bargaining is underused. There appears to be a union focus on job displacement and task redistribution without structured bargaining strategies while employers engage mainly for regulatory compliance, lacking worker consultation.

Following the presentations, a discussion took place through five questions which had been framed by the moderator, Bernard Harbor FPRII, Member of the AI Advisory Council. The questions were as follows:

• Do employers and unions have the capacity to engage productively and successfully on AI issues through collective bargaining and/or social dialogue structures – and at the pace required?
• Do the social partners – including Government as well as unions and employers – have the appetite for a meaningful social dialogue to address the real and potential impacts of AI on the labour market, employment and skills?
• Are the existing social dialogue structures (e.g. the LEEF) adequate or agile enough to successfully deal with the opportunities and challenges of AI?
• Does the education/skills/training sector have the capacity to deal with the labour market challenges and opportunities presented by AI? Should they be included in a social dialogue on AI and related issues?
• What are the next steps to resolve issues arising from questions 1-4?

In summary, contributions to the discussion were made by employers, academics, employer representatives and worker representatives, A good debate took place. The discussion emphasised the importance of social dialogue, collective bargaining, and the need for a structured approach to managing technological change.

Participants highlight Ireland’s unique position with longstanding collective bargaining structures dating back to the 1890s with the importance of international legal frameworks supporting collective bargaining rights, such as ILO conventions and European treaties. The discussion highlighted the necessity of revitalizing social dialogue mechanisms, especially in sectors where they are weak or have diminished over time.

In terms of capacity and readiness of the Actors, there is consensus that both employers and trade unions need to enhance their capacity to engage effectively with AI-related issues. This includes increasing knowledge, digital literacy, and technological understanding. The importance of local-level engagement was also emphasized.

With regard to the challenges in negotiation on AI, all stakeholders recognized the difficulty in negotiating AI-related agreements due to the vast and unpredictable scope of AI applications. The need for ongoing dialogue, flexible frameworks, and adaptable agreements is stressed to cope with the uncertainties and rapid technological evolution.

Insofar as the role of education, skills, and funding are concerned, the discussion acknowledged the strength of Ireland’s digital skills training but notes gaps in broader AI-specific expertise. The importance of targeted upskilling, leveraging the National Training Fund, and creating pathways for continuous learning were highlighted. There was also a call for better coordination between government, industry, and educational institutions to align skills development with future needs.

In terms of the Government’s role and future steps, participants called for stronger leadership from government to facilitate social dialogue and implement strategic actions. The need for ongoing conversations, structural reforms, and proactive policies to prepare the workforce for AI integration was emphasized.