Workers are calling for support to adapt to the adoption of artificial intelligence, with most saying they have not been offered training despite its increasing use.
The Australian Services Union says surveyed white-collar workers are willing to adapt to using the technology but have been left with little guidance on how to navigate the change.
More than 80 per cent of workers reported not having been offered any AI training or consultation on its use at work, despite almost 50 per cent of workplaces introducing these tools.
Less than 35 per cent of workplaces have a formal policy guiding the technology’s use, according to the research findings.
The union’s national secretary Emeline Gaske says artificial intelligence offers huge productivity opportunities to drive new jobs but the benefits need to extend beyond company profits.
‘Unions can’t resist AI anymore than we could’ve resisted the internet,’ Ms Gaske said.
‘But it must come with an industry adjustment package that starts with workforce training.’
The call for more support and consultation comes ahead of a productivity roundtable in Canberra from Tuesday, with AI likely to be extensively discussed.
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The three-day summit, led by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and other ministers, will focus on boosting productivity in the economy, building resilience and strengthening the budget.
It could lead to investigating the use of AI to streamline environmental measures and boost housing approvals, according to reported Treasury advice leaked to ABC News.
More than 30,000 vocational education teachers could be trained to use AI under a recently announced year-long trial involving US tech giant Microsoft and Australia’s Future Skills Organisation.
The organisation has similarly noted the rate of white-collar workers using AI is more than double the rate of those who have been trained to do so.
Ms Gaske says workers need to share in the benefits of AI, such as through shorter working weeks to give workers time back from productivity improvements, and has called for further consultation.
‘We have a willing and capable workforce but they need to be brought into the conversation,’ she said.
‘By investing in training, guaranteeing workers a say, and ensuring the gains are shared, we can boost productivity and improve the quality of jobs right across the economy.’
One surveyed worker reported widespread fear of the technology.
‘But if the right guidelines are in place I think it could be very useful,’ they said.
