London – A groundbreaking report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), backed by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), issues a stark warning: the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) threatens to exacerbate existing inequalities unless workers are given a powerful voice in shaping its deployment. The report's findings paint a concerning picture, with 21% of workers already reporting that AI has worsened their working lives, while a mere 20% feel it has improved them. The human cost is already apparent, with 4% believing they've lost their jobs to automation.

The report underscores the urgent need for proactive interventions to ensure that AI serves the interests of working people, not just corporate bottom lines. It meticulously distinguishes between AI's potential to augment human labor, degrade the quality of work through surveillance and control, or outright displace workers. The IPPR argues that the future of work hinges on who holds the power to shape this technological disruption.

Drawing parallels to the Industrial Revolution, the report highlights the historical precedent of technological advancements leading to wage stagnation and increased profits for the wealthy few. Only the rise of the labor movement, with its collective bargaining power, forced a redistribution of gains towards workers and broader social well-being. The report emphasizes that we are at a similar crossroads today, and proactive measures are needed to prevent history from repeating itself.

To empower workers in the age of AI, the IPPR proposes a comprehensive package of reforms. At its core is a statutory duty for employers to consult with their employees, ensuring that workers have a seat at the table when decisions are made about AI implementation. The report also calls for a “worker support levy,” a fund that would provide portable benefits like union membership, insurance, and training, empowering workers to navigate the changing job market with greater security and bargaining power.

The report envisions a future where AI adoption is guided by collective bargaining agreements, giving unions the leverage to protect workers' rights and ensure that technological advancements lead to improved working conditions, fair wages, and increased job security. It also suggests exploring alternative models, such as worker representation on company boards or the creation of new consultative bodies, to amplify worker voices in corporate decision-making.