Charting a worker-centered AI future: Colombo hosts landmark ITF conference
By Sanath Nanayakkare Artificial intelligence and automation present serious challenges for workers – such as job consequences seen in docks and rail systems – and emphasises that workers cannot simply stop technological progress. By gathering young trade unionists in Sri Lanka, the ITF aims to establish key principles for engaging with technology, ensuring workers have […]
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) hosted its first-ever AI-focused global conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from September 15–17, marking a significant milestone in balancing technological innovation with worker-centered safeguards. The conference, which brought together over 16.6 million transport workers worldwide, aimed to tackle the multifaceted impacts of AI on safety, operations, workforce development, and governance.
By gathering young trade unionists, the ITF sought to establish key principles for engaging with technology, ensuring workers have a strong voice at the bargaining table, and encouraging constructive social dialogue with corporations and governments. Key discussions focused on upskilling and reskilling transport personnel, maintaining human oversight in AI-driven logistics, and establishing robust governance safeguards.
The event's CEO, Boa Athu, emphasized the transformative potential of AI when guided by strong social dialogue, equitable access to training, and robust governance, ultimately laying a foundation for inclusive policy frameworks that champion fair labor standards.
Brief written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
