Artificial intelligence is already altering shop floors and screens alike, labor experts warned at a joint ILO–ITU webinar, as algorithms increasingly decide who works, how fast, and under what conditions. From delivery couriers pushed by opaque incentive systems to content moderators and data annotators in the Global South confronting graphic material and tight surveillance, panelists cited mounting safety and mental-health risks alongside low pay and limited recourse. “The key issue is not whether AI will transform work; it already is,” said the ILO’s Sher Verick, arguing that standards and rights-based governance must catch up. ITU officials said technical standards can make systems more “trustworthy,” but policy choices will determine outcomes. Union representatives pressed for collective-bargaining rights and safe-work protocols, noting evidence that algorithmic targets can prompt dangerous behavior. The UN is advancing initiatives—from AI for Good to a new independent scientific panel—aimed at steering AI’s trajectory toward decent work, fairness and accountability rather than increased surveillance and bias.
Related articles:
AI Risk Management Framework (NIST)
OECD AI Principles
AI for Good platform (ITU)
Regulatory framework for AI in the EU (European Commission)
Fairwork: Research on Platform Work and Labour Standards
