UNI Global Union has identified 10 key principles for Ethical AI. These points of action must be realized by unions, shop stewards and global alliances, in collective agreements, global framework agreements and multinational alliances. This will ensure workers’ rights and influence in the age of digitalisation.

They are described briefly and not in their entirety below:

1. AI systems must be transparent

Workers should have the right to demand transparency in the decisions and outcomes of AI systems as well as their underlying algorithms. They must also be consulted on AI systems’ implementation, development and deployment.

2. AI systems must be equipped with an “ethical black box”

The ethical “black box” should not only contain relevant data to ensure system transparency and accountability, but also include clear data and information on the ethical considerations built into the system.

3. AI must serve people and planet

Codes of ethics for the development, application and use of AI are needed so that throughout their entire operational process, AI systems remain compatible and increase the principles of human dignity, integrity, freedom, privacy and cultural and gender diversity, as well as fundamental human rights.

4. Adopt a human-in-command approach

The development of AI must be responsible, safe and useful, where machines maintain the legal status of tools, and legal persons retain control over, and responsibility for, these machines at all times.

5. Ensure a genderless, unbiased AI

In the design and maintenance of AI and artificial systems (AS), it is vital that the system is controlled for negative or harmful human-bias, and that any bias–be it gender, race, sexual orientation, age–is identified and is not propagated by the system.

6. Share the benefits of AI systems

The economic prosperity created by AI should be distributed broadly and equally, to benefit all of humanity. Global as well as national policies aimed at bridging the economic, technological and social digital divide are therefore necessary.

7. Secure a just transition and ensure support for fundamental freedoms and rights

As AI systems develop and augmented realities are formed, workers and work tasks will be displaced. It is vital that policies are put in place that ensure a just transition to the digital reality, including specific governmental measures to help displaced workers find new employment.

8. Establish global governance mechanism

Establish multi-stakeholder Decent Work and Ethical AI governance bodies on global and regional levels. The bodies should include AI designers, manufacturers, owners, developers, researchers, employers, lawyers, CSOs and trade unions.

9. Ban the attribution of responsibility to robots

Robots should be designed and operated as far as is practicable to comply with existing laws, and fundamental rights and freedoms, including privacy.

10. Ban AI arms race

Lethal autonomous weapons, including cyber warfare, should be banned.

UNI Global Union calls for a global convention on ethical AI that will help address, and work to prevent, the unintended negative consequences of AI while accentuating its benefits to workers and society. We underline that humans and corporations are the responsible agents.