AI and Worker Abuse: Identifying Risks and Safeguarding Labor Rights

The Rise of AI in the Workplace: Opportunities and Risks The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the workplace brings opportunities for increased efficiency and productivity. However, it also raises concerns about potential worker abuse. The AI and Shared Prosperity Initiative identifies 11 key risk signals indicating how AI could negatively impact workers’ well-being, autonomy, and rights if left unchecked.

Wage Suppression and Unpredictable Compensation One significant risk, RS8, involves AI systems predicting the lowest wage a worker would accept. This practice could mirror price discrimination, leading to unpredictable wages and reduced bargaining power for informal workers. Without transparency, such algorithms could deprive workers of fair compensation and job stability.

Increased Workload and Unreasonable Expectations RS9 highlights the risk of AI accelerating task completion without providing additional tools or support. When AI sets unrealistic performance targets, workers may face undue pressure, stress, and even injury. Similarly, RS10 warns against AI reducing schedule predictability, causing financial instability, stress, and health concerns due to irregular hours and short notice.

Erosion of Worker Rights and Break Time AI systems can also infringe on workers’ breaks (RS11) by encouraging overwork or discouraging rest through productivity monitoring. In some cases, workers feel pressured to skip breaks to meet demanding performance goals, risking burnout and injury.

The Complexity Trap: Intensifying Job Difficulty The introduction of AI can make tasks more challenging (RS12), often by automating simpler duties and leaving only complex, high-stress tasks for workers. This may reduce job satisfaction and increase burnout if compensation does not reflect the increased difficulty.

Surveillance and Loss of Privacy Monitoring workers extensively (RS13) is another AI-driven risk, often extending beyond task performance to track behaviors and communications. This can undermine privacy, autonomy, and morale, and may even discourage worker organization.

Reduced Autonomy and Decision-Making Power RS14 discusses AI reducing worker autonomy by limiting decision-making authority, resulting in less engaging and fulfilling work. This shift often devalues experience and expertise, weakening workers’ bargaining power.

Impact on Mentorship and Skill Development AI can also erode mentorship and apprenticeship opportunities (RS15), as automation diminishes entry-level tasks where workers typically learn. This loss hampers skill development and career advancement.

Diminished Worker Satisfaction and Motivation RS16 raises concerns about AI systems diminishing worker satisfaction by reducing engagement and motivation. This can signal deeper problems affecting job quality and well-being.

Risks in Employment and Pay Decisions AI’s role in employment and pay decisions (RS17) poses risks if systems lack context or fairness, potentially leading to algorithmic discrimination. When managers rely too heavily on AI recommendations, these decisions become effectively automated.

Discrimination and Bias in AI Systems Finally, RS18 warns of AI perpetuating discrimination based on gender, race, age, and other demographics, highlighting the importance of rigorous testing and fairness.

Safeguarding Workers’ Rights in the AI Era As AI continues to shape the future of work, developers and employers must prioritize ethical AI deployment to protect worker rights and ensure shared prosperity. Transparency, fairness, and accountability are crucial in harnessing AI’s benefits while safeguarding workers’ dignity and livelihoods.