FSU seek formal agreement from AIB around introduction of AI

AI in the workplace needs to be managed in a transparent and collaborative manner says FSU

The Financial Services Union (FSU) has responded to the announcement by AIB to introduce Microsoft 365 Copilot to the vast majority of AIB employees without an agreed approach between the Bank and the Union.

Commenting on the announcement John O’Connell, General Secretary of the FSU said:

“The FSU have submitted a draft AI specific agreement to AIB management with the aim of agreeing a negotiated agreement on AI and build on previous commitments from the bank on this fundamental issue for bank workers.

The FSU have recently agreed an AI specific agreement with Bank of Ireland, and it was our expectation that a similar agreement could be reached with AIB.

An agreement that includes  four key assurances :

1. The Bank regularly engage with the union on AI usage and plans
2. The Bank prioritises training and reskilling to minimise job losses
3. There is always a human in command approach to the use of AI.
4. Any material impact is to be fully collectively bargained with FSU through already agreed procedures

“The FSU recently published research from an employee’s perspective into the possible effects of AI in the financial services sector.

Our research raises serious concerns about the possible effects of AI.

• 88% of respondents believe AI will lead to job displacement
• 28% feel they are  adequately  prepared to use AI tools in their daily work.
• 40% of workers surveyed say their organisation has not offered training and has no plans to do so with 31% saying they were unsure of training availability

The research findings concluded that any transition from human control to AI needs to be managed in a transparent and collaborative manner.

AI is advancing at a rapid pace. It is vital that unions, employers, regulators and legislators work together  to ensure a fair and transparent implementation program.

The FSU will be immediately seeking further engagement with AIB to seek the assurances that workers require.”

ENDS

Please note: FSU General Secretary John O Connell is available for interviews - Contact Brian McDowell  0879161225

To read the survey report use the links below.

FSU Accounting for Workers in the Age of AI

https://www.fsunion.org/assets/files/pdf/fsu_accounting_for_workers_in_the_age_of_ai.pdf

AI Impact on Financial Services Employment - Recommendations

https://www.fsunion.org/assets/files/pdf/ai_impact_on_financial_services_employment_-_recommendations.pdf

AI Impact on Financial Services Employment - Survey Results

https://www.fsunion.org/assets/files/pdf/ai_impact_on_financial_services_employment_-_figures.pdf