CUPE is calling for the federal government to put workers’ rights at the centre of Canada’s approach to artificial intelligence. At a recent federal meeting, our union outlined the need for transparency, consultation and strong legal protections for workers.
CUPE shared our position at the first meeting of a new federal Artificial Intelligence and Labour Advisory Council. The council advises the federal government on how AI systems are affecting workers and the policies needed to safely govern these new technologies.
The federal government can protect workers from invasive AI-powered surveillance technology by strengthening Bill C-36, the Protecting Privacy and Consumer Data Act. The legislation sets the privacy rules for workers under federal jurisdiction including ports, air transportation, communications, rail, banking and interprovincial transportation.
CUPE is calling for updated privacy legislation to:
- prohibit continuous surveillance of workers and monitoring of workers on breaks, after hours or in sensitive areas like washrooms.
- ban the workplace use of high risk technology such as biometric, facial or emotion recognition systems.
- prohibit automated decision systems for significant employment decisions such as discipline and termination.
Canada can and should be a leader in putting guardrails around unethical workplace surveillance.
Our union also stressed that employers must provide notice and consult with unions before they introduce AI systems in the workplace.
If AI will affect jobs and working conditions, employers should negotiate with the union to address any impacts.
Finally, the federal government should improve our Employment Insurance system to protect workers who lose jobs.
The AI and Labour Advisory Council includes representatives from 12 unions, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon, Secretary of State for Labour John Zerucelli, and Senator Hassan Yussuff.
