Unions Advocate for AI Regulation and Higher Wages at Productivity Summit

Published Date : 11/06/2025 

White-collar unions are pushing for protections for workers affected by artificial intelligence, while blue-collar unions are seeking wage increases at the upcoming productivity summit. 

Unions will push to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace and for workers to gain a greater share of productivity benefits through higher pay in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s newly announced summit.

White-collar unions want the government to enforce a “digital just transition” for workers affected by AI, raising comparisons with measures for coal and gas-fired power jobs hit by the shift to renewables. This includes adopting requirements to compensate workers when their data is used to train artificial intelligence.

The summit, scheduled to be held in the coming months, aims to address the growing concerns about the impact of AI on the workforce and to ensure that workers are not left behind in the digital transformation. Prime Minister Albanese has emphasized the importance of balancing technological advancements with the well-being of workers.

According to the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), the rapid adoption of AI in various industries has led to significant disruptions in the job market. White-collar unions, such as the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) and the Australian Services Union (ASU), are particularly concerned about the potential for AI to replace human jobs and the need for retraining and support for affected workers.

Blue-collar unions, on the other hand, are focusing on securing better wages and working conditions. They argue that the productivity gains from AI and other technological advancements should be shared more equitably with workers. The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) and the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) are among the organizations pushing for wage increases.

The ACTU has proposed several measures to address these issues, including the establishment of a national taskforce to monitor the impact of AI on the workforce and the development of a comprehensive plan to support workers in transitioning to new roles. They also advocate for stronger labor laws to protect workers from unfair dismissals and to ensure that they are adequately compensated for their contributions to AI training.

The summit is expected to bring together representatives from unions, businesses, and the government to discuss these proposals and to develop a coordinated strategy for the future of work in Australia. Prime Minister Albanese has expressed his commitment to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared fairly and that workers are protected from the potential negative impacts.

As the summit approaches, the debate over AI regulation and worker protections is likely to intensify. Unions are mobilizing their members and engaging with policymakers to ensure that their concerns are heard and addressed. The outcome of the summit could have significant implications for the future of the Australian workforce and the role of AI in the economy. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the main goal of the productivity summit?

A: The main goal of the productivity summit is to address the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workforce and to ensure that workers gain a greater share of productivity benefits through higher wages and better protections.

Q: What are white-collar unions advocating for?

A: White-collar unions are advocating for a 'digital just transition' for workers affected by AI, including measures to compensate workers when their data is used to train AI systems.

Q: What are blue-collar unions focusing on?

A: Blue-collar unions are focusing on securing better wages and working conditions, arguing that productivity gains from AI and other technological advancements should be shared more equitably with workers.

Q: What measures has the ACTU proposed?

A: The ACTU has proposed establishing a national taskforce to monitor the impact of AI on the workforce and developing a comprehensive plan to support workers in transitioning to new roles. They also advocate for stronger labor laws to protect workers.

Q: What is the expected outcome of the summit?

A: The expected outcome of the summit is a coordinated strategy for the future of work in Australia, ensuring that the benefits of AI are shared fairly and that workers are protected from potential negative impacts. 

More Related Topics :