Marvin OnumonuTUC Cymru has called on the UK Government to put workers at the centre of decisions on artificial intelligence (AI), warning that most people in Wales are worried about the impact of new technology on jobs.
Research found that 60% of people in Wales were concerned about AI and new technology affecting their jobs, with job losses and changes to terms and conditions the top worries.
Concerns were reported across voters for all major parties, with 52% of Labour voters, 49% of Conservative voters and 52% of Reform voters saying they were worried.
Among workers aged 25 to 34, this figure rose to 62%.
Half of those polled said workers and unions should have an equal say with business on the future of AI, while only 17% disagreed.
The view was shared widely, including by 65% of Labour voters, 60% of Labour voters switching to Reform, and 71% of Labour voters switching to the Green Party.
TUC Cymru set out a “worker first” plan urging the Welsh and UK Governments to work with unions.
The plan called for public funding for AI research to help workers, not replace them, and to ensure any productivity gains are shared.
It also referenced the First Minister Eluned Morgan’s earlier pledge to create new AI centres of excellence with colleges, universities, industry and unions, to support workers and deliver a ‘digital dividend’.
Further recommendations included following Wales’ social partnership guidance on AI in the public sector, giving unions a strong voice when AI is introduced, keeping fair work central, ensuring a ‘human in command’ when AI is used, training workers on AI risks and opportunities, protecting and creating jobs, and improving pay and conditions.
TUC Cymru also wants legal protections for workers from AI harms and for the TUC’s model AI Bill to be implemented.
The union body called for stronger social security for those affected by AI disruption and support for workers to move between roles and retrain.
Shavanah Taj, general secretary at TUC Cymru, said: “AI could have transformative potential – and if developed properly, workers can benefit from the productivity gains this technology may bring.
“But for this to happen workers must be placed at the heart of AI innovation.”
In her conference speech, Eluned Morgan said a future Welsh Government with Labour would make sure workers have a say in how AI is used, bring advanced AI and digital skills into every Welsh secondary school, and set a clear rule that technology not meeting Welsh standards would not be used in public life.
Taj added: “These are the positive and far-reaching policies workers across Wales want in place so that everyone – not just billionaires from abroad – benefit from AI. TUC Cymru would like to see a future Welsh Government build further on the First Ministers’ significant proposals by: expanding trade union and worker training on AI; sharing the potential benefits of AI – by opening discussions on shorter working weeks, where AI brings efficiencies; bringing forward legislation if necessary to secure these reforms. The alternative is bleak.
“Left unmanaged and in the wrong hands, the AI revolution could entrench rampant inequality as jobs are degraded or displaced, and shareholders get richer. We cannot let that happen.
“Unmanaged disruption is not inevitable or acceptable.”
She said: “It’s time for an urgent and active policy response that makes sure workers are not left behind. AI technologies can help build a better future.
“I’m delighted that TUC has a plan that shows how it can be done across the UK – and takes inspiration from what’s already been achieved and promised in Wales.”
