At the conference from September 11 - 13 experts discussed on top-class panels. Topics included the prerequisites for an ethical AI, exemplary company agreements on dealing with AI in the HR sector and the consequences and requirements of the “AI Act”, the European Union's AI law. The conference was organized by the Hans Böckler Foundation in cooperation with IG Metall.

AI for the employees

Opportunities of artificial intelligence (AI) for Germany as an industrial location were stressed. “The use of AI is an important competitive factor. We see potential for major leaps in productivity and considerable cost reductions, which do not have to be at the expense of workers. Increased implementation is one possible answer to the shortage of skilled professionals”, said Christiane Benner, First Chairwoman of the trade union, in Hanover.

IG Metall considers The “AI Act” to be a good legal basis for the use of artificial intelligence. Christiane Benner called for a good legal framework: “In addition to the AI Act, co-determination, privacy issues and health protection in particular must be used, developed and expanded. IG Metall will also campaign for an effective employee data protection and privacy law (Beschäftigtendatenschutzgesetz).”

Due to the current situation and the venue - VW Commercial Vehicles Hanover - the conference began with a focus on the events surrounding the VW Group. The scheduled agenda item with the Labour Director of VW was cancelled and a solidarity action for VW was organized instead. The participants made it clear: Hands off the collective agreement at VW!

Networking between companies and cities

Participants from companies in Berlin, Brandenburg and Saxony used the event for networking and exchanging ideas. “My highlight was the barcamp on the topic of AI in the representation of employees´ interests.” reports Enrico Wiesener from Siemens Energy Berlin. “Exciting practical examples were shown and ways in which AI can be used in works council activities. What I liked best was, that possibilities were shown, that could be tried out or applied with colleagues the very next day.”
Ingo Lath from IAV Chemnitz registered for the conference because of the topic AI. „It affects us all and has historical significance for work and humanity“, he states. He also appreciated meeting like-minded metalworkers from other companies.

Daniel Hay, Scientific Director of the Institute for Codetermination and Corporate Governance (I.M.U.) of the Hans Böckler Foundation, said: “Research results show that companies with strong codetermination offer better working conditions and are economically more successful than others. For example, they are more likely to pursue an innovation and investment-oriented strategy for the future, which pays off in the long term. This particular value of co-determination must also be reflected in the use of AI.”
According to IG Metall, good implementation processes within the companies are also crucial in order to ensure acceptance and goal-oriented applications. Rules and patterns for risk classification, impact assessment and introduction processes must be formulated for the operational use of AI.