Microsoft agrees to union contract terms involving the use of AI
This is the first US instance of collective bargaining in the company’s history.
Microsoft has agreed to union contract language regarding its use of artificial intelligence, which should give workers a voice when challenging how the technology’s deployed, as reported by Bloomberg. This is the first US instance of collective bargaining in Microsoft’s history and could be a huge step for those employed with the tech giant.
This came to pass as part of negotiations with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) union and involves contract language that covers a few hundred staffers at Microsoft’s game studio ZeniMax, which includes well-known subsidiaries like Bethesda and Arkane, among others.
The gist here is that the contract language incorporates Microsoft’s previously-announced AI principles, sort of a ten commandments type deal. The language dictates that AI systems will “treat all people fairly” and “empower everyone.” To that end, it will give employees covered under the contract an avenue of recourse should they feel that Microsoft isn’t holding up its end of the bargain. Microsoft even hired dozens of ZeniMax contract workers as full-time employees, potentially as a show of good faith.
“The goal is to ensure tools and technologies benefit rather than harm workers,” the contract states. The language stipulates that Microsoft must inform the CWA whenever AI or related automation technology is implemented in a way that could impact workers. If requested, the company must enter into good-faith negotiations regarding the change. This is a big first step, considering Microsoft’s massive play into the AI space via integration with OpenAI products.
This would be news on its own, given Microsoft’s former hesitance to engage with unions in any way, shape or form. However, there’s more. The company also entered into a partnership with the AFL-CIO, the country’s largest federation of unions. The entities struck a deal that ensures Microsoft will remain neutral in efforts by unions to encourage workers to join up.
The partnership also creates an “open dialogue” to discuss AI and how it impacts workers. The AFL-CIO calls this team-up the “first of its kind between a labor organization and a technology company.” Microsoft has committed to share information with labor leaders regarding impactful AI trends and consider “worker perspectives” when developing new technologies.
Why the about face? There’s a whole lot of uncertainty out there regarding artificial intelligence and how it will impact workers across multiple industries. It looks like Microsoft is setting itself up to be the “adult in the room” when compared to rival entities. It’s worth noting, though, that Microsoft shareholders rejected a proposal last week that would slow down AI spending until a risk-assessment project could be conducted.
Microsoft and CWA Union reach AI agreement
Microsoft has entered an agreement with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) union regarding contractual terms focused on applying artificial intelligence (AI) within the company. This deal marks the first instance of collective bargaining in Microsoft’s US history. It is expected to allow employees to participate in discussions about deploying AI technology. The contract affects several hundred workers at Microsoft’s ZeniMax game studio, which includes popular subsidiaries like Bethesda and Arkane.
As part of the agreement, employees will have a voice in how AI integrates into their workflow. By doing so, ethical considerations are taken into account, ensuring that the technology complements human tasks without completely replacing them. In addition, the deal aims to provide workers with enough consultation, training, and support to help them adjust to the evolving technological landscape in the gaming industry.
Contractual language and AI principles
The contract language is rooted in Microsoft’s previously declared AI principles, stating that AI systems should “treat all people fairly” and “empower everyone.” This arrangement will allow the affected employees to address grievances if they believe Microsoft is not complying with these principles. In a gesture of goodwill, Microsoft has converted numerous ZeniMax contract workers to full-time employees, demonstrating its commitment to prioritizing worker well-being and job security.
Per the contract, Microsoft must alert the CWA when AI or automation technology is introduced in a way that might impact workers. If necessary, the company must engage in earnest negotiations about the change. This deal overlaps Microsoft’s significant progress in the AI domain through its collaboration with OpenAI products. By maintaining open communication with CWA, the company ensures that workforce adjustments are conducted fairly and transparently.
Partnership with AFL-CIO and fostering cooperation
Microsoft has also partnered with the largest US union federation, the AFL-CIO, in a further act of support towards its labor force. This alliance guarantees Microsoft’s impartiality in union initiatives, encouraging employees to join while promoting an “open dialogue” about AI and its implications for the workforce. Through this partnership, Microsoft seeks to create a collaborative environment that acknowledges workers’ concerns and actively involves them in discussions and decision-making processes.
The AFL-CIO has described the cooperation as the “first of its kind between a labor organization and a technology company.” In this collaboration, Microsoft vows to share information about significant AI trends with labor leaders and consider workers’ perspectives while developing new technologies. This groundbreaking partnership aims to promote transparency and prioritize the interests of the workforce while navigating advancements in AI.
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Salvatore De Lellis; Pexels
The post Microsoft and CWA Union reach AI agreement appeared first on ReadWrite.
(1)
