Banking sector : Joint declaration on employment aspects of artificial intelligence

On 14 May, European social partners in the banking sector signed a joint declaration on artificial intelligence. In their text, the social partners adopt the definition of AI used in the recent AI act, and highlight the importance of social dialogue in managing any impact of AI on working conditions, management, decision-making and the confidentiality of workers’ personal data. The signatories call for joint actions to “support job transition and ensure re/up-skilling opportunities”. They take into account the specific characteristics of AI, whose use should be “a subject of continuous monitoring through social dialogue and collective bargaining”. When it comes to health and safety, the signatories recommend joint assessments “that include the effects of algorithmic management due to its embedded unpredictability, as these systems rely on complex data processing and have a tendency to reduce human involvement in decision-making.” They also emphasise that profiling, personnel selection, internal promotion, changes of function and professional grade level, the system of sanctions, and performance evaluations should “always [be] subject to the human-in-control principle”. European social partners in the banking sector strongly encourage sectoral social partners at national level and company-level actors, including European Works Councils, to take this joint statement on board.