AI is here to stay, but without safeguards and worker governance, it can be used to cut jobs, intensify workloads, and compromise academic standards. AI needs to be implemented ethically, transparently, and with staff protections built in.
What we can win
Provisions to protect staff against any adverse effects of artificial intelligence systems in the workplace.
Why it is important
We recognise the potential of AI to enhance and enrich work, and outcomes provided it is developed and implemented in an ethical manner that does not represent a high risk to the sector, our members, or the national interest in maintaining a trusted high-quality higher education and research sectors.
The penetration of AI into our workplaces has been rapid and unregulated. We are bombarded with materials that assert the inevitability of AI induced change and many have accepted that premise. There is no doubt that the genie is out of the bottle and change will come, but it does not have to be and should not be, without worker input.
If we don’t address AI governance in this round of bargaining, we may not be able to prevent irreversible harm to our workplace and our sector.
FAQs
Is AI and change inevitable?
We recognise the potential of AI to enhance and enrich work and outcomes; however, it cannot come at the expense of ethical standards, staff and student experience. The union’s claim is that AI implementation is managed with staff not to staff. Change is inevitable – exploitation isn’t.
Will AI save costs?
At whose expense? AI misuse harms quality, reputation, student experience and staff wellbeing. Universities rely on human expertise to uphold academic standards and integrity. Short-term ‘savings’ risk long-term damage.
We don’t know what the future holds, so how do we cover AI in our workplace agreements?
Uncertainty about the future of AI doesn’t mean we should do nothing. In fact, uncertainty about AI policy and regulation is precisely why we are claiming to have good AI governance clause in our agreement. Our claim creates principles for safe, transparent, and ethical use — requiring consultation, disclosure, and no disadvantage to staff. It’s a safeguard against uncertainty for all parties.
SEE ALL THE PRIORITIES →
Fair Pay. Better Universities.
Secure Jobs. Better Universities.
