UK union urges workers to negotiate AI use before it controls their jobs

The Trades Union Congress sent a formal appeal to the UK’s AI and Future of Work ministers, urging that civil servants be granted a statutory right to negotiate the introduction of artificial-intelligence and surveillance technologies in the workplace. Paul Nowak and Kate Bell argued that while the government recognises AI’s transformative potential, it has yet to produce a practical framework that protects workers’ interests.

Their proposal rests on three pillars - giving employees a voice, securing rights and ensuring a fair share of AI-driven benefits. The TUC does not oppose AI outright but rejects decisions made without employee involvement, warning that unchecked deployment could erode dignity and bargaining power. They cite the Nordic model, where strong worker influence has coincided with high AI adoption, as evidence that rights and innovation can coexist. Finally, the union warned that perceived job-cutting AI could fuel far-right exploitation if workers are excluded from the conversation.