The president of the Economic and Social Committee, Oliver Röpke, warns of the “marked changes” that artificial intelligence will bring to the world of work, defending measures so that “rights are not endangered”.
Interviewed in Brussels by TSF and by Diário de Notícias, before traveling to Portugal where he participates, this Saturday, in the Porto Social Forum, Oliver Röpke says that European leaders must ensure that artificial intelligence is “at the service of people”.
Oliver Röpke admits that it is still unknown how the use of artificial intelligence will evolve, although he sees similarities with the “automation” case of the past. Therefore, he argues that European governments should be aware of their impacts on the workplace.
“We will have new jobs, but others may be lost. Therefore, I would say that it is an evolution that we have already had with the automation of the labor market. But I think the change can be even more striking”, he says.
However, having calculated the risks, the president of the European Social Forum believes that there must be a place for artificial intelligence. “We must not prevent new forms of technological work”, admits Oliver Röpke, defending that “we must guarantee” that these “are also protected and that there is fair competition”.
“Workers with new forms of work should also benefit from the same rights and social security standards,” warned Oliver Röpke, giving examples of “protection guarantees” to ensure “fair competition” and avoid precariousness associated with technological work.
“For example, (…) collective bargaining, which I consider important, because it is also a question of democratic participation, and the social partners have a say when it comes to working conditions,” he argues, considering that decisions in This matter should always have the protection of rights as a principle.
“We have to make sure that artificial intelligence must always be at the service of people and must not endanger their rights,” says the EESC president, adding that “in this context, it is also very important to protect data protection “.
At the Porto Social Forum, Oliver Röpke came to defend that “despite the crises”, the European Union “must ensure that it guarantees sustainable growth and development” and also “clear and firm social rules, in particular, the fight against poverty”.
“We have two items on the agenda: skills and, more on a global scale, how to ensure that our social model effectively becomes the European standard and influences other parties outside the EU,” he said, hoping “this is the strong message of this Porto Social Forum”.
Facing the “ecological and digital transition”, the EESC president believes that “there is still a lot to do” in terms of the “skills” that will be needed to ensure it.
“The most vulnerable, less qualified or unqualified workers benefit less from training measures than highly qualified workers”, he warns. “Special attention is needed for these workers and leaving no one behind”, says Oliver Röpke, considering that “the only way to face the challenges of the transition” is to ensure that “skills, and requalification must reach everyone”. .
Therefore, “it is waiting” for the issue to be addressed in the ongoing discussions on the revision of the rules of economic governance of the European Union.
“We are very clear and we have already issued some opinions for the reform of the PEC. We need stability, but also flexibility for investments, including a golden rule for some specific public investments. We are working on a new opinion, to add to the debate. And we hope that it will be taken into account when Europe decides to change the PEC”, he affirms.
Source: TSF
