Hanover – IG Metall emphasizes the opportunities of artificial intelligence (AI) for Germany as an industrial location. “The use of AI is an important competitive factor. We see potential for major leaps in productivity and significant cost reductions, which do not have to come at the expense of employees. Increased deployment is a possible answer to the shortage of skilled workers,” said Christiane Benner, first chairwoman of the union, in Hanover.
At the engineering and IT conference until Friday, experts on top-class panels will discuss, for example, the requirements for ethical AI, exemplary company agreements on dealing with AI in human resources, as well as the consequences and demands of the “AI Act”. European Union. The conference is organized by the Hans Böckler Foundation in cooperation with IG Metall.
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 law, co-determination as well as data and health protection must be used and expanded. IG Metall will also advocate for an effective employee data protection law.”
Daniel Hay, Scientific Director of the Institute for Co-determination and Corporate Management (I.M.U.) of the Hans Böckler Foundation, said: “Research results show that companies with strong co-determination simultaneously offer better working conditions and are more economically successful than others. For example, they more often pursue an innovation and investment-oriented future strategy that pays off in the long term. This special value of co-determination must also come into play when using AI.”
According to IG Metall, good operational introduction processes are also crucial to ensure acceptance and targeted applications. For the operational use of AI, rules and patterns for risk classification, impact assessment and implementation processes must be formulated.