Ontario public-sector unions push province for workplace AI safeguards

Ontario public-sector unions are actively pushing for workplace safeguards concerning artificial intelligence (AI) within multiple contract negotiations, according to Global News. This push is driven by concerns among tens of thousands of public sector workers who fear potential job losses, function replacement, and surveillance through AI use.

OPSEU, representing over 200,000 workers, has incorporated language on AI into their bargaining guides across various sectors. Their main concerns include job loss, function replacement, and monitoring via AI, adding that they want to ensure workers' voices are heard before AI's implementation. CUPE, representing almost 310,000 workers, has also developed AI-related bargaining guidelines, prohibiting employers from utilizing biometric data, facial recognition, or human behavior manipulation tools.

However, the CUPE's demands have faced obstacles, as seen in the arbitration case between OPSEU and the Ontario Hospital Association in 2024. The arbitration board rejected OPSEU's request for advance notice of AI use, stating that it would be too burdensome for hospitals to comply. The Ford government introduced directives in late 2024 to ensure AI use in the Ontario Public Service is "human rights affirming," transparent, and accountable.

Despite these directives, NDP Labour Critic Jamie West claims over a million public sector jobs could be at risk if AI is fully implemented. Union officials assert that addressing AI-related issues in collective bargaining should be handled through the negotiation process.