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This topic examines how workers and unions are responding to AI deployment. The ITUC argues that AI systems accelerate job fragmentation while algorithmic management undermines transparency and accountability. Trade unions must play a central role in shaping AI deployment and regulation to ensure a "just digital transition." This reading provides a global labor perspective often missing from tech-centric AI governance discussions.
Why this matters for Danish AI policy: Denmark's tripartite model, where government, employers, and unions negotiate labor market policy, is distinctive. The Nordic AI Union Summit (March 2026, Oslo) will address AI and work. How should Denmark's labor institutions adapt to AI?
Required Reading
Organization Credentials
The International Trade Union Confederation is a global union federation representing 324 affiliates in 169 countries and 207 million workers. It is the principal interlocutor with the ILO, G7/G20, and WTO on labor issues. This represents the official global labor movement position on AI.
Supplementary Materials
European/Nordic Context
- ETUI: "Regulating Algorithmic Management" (~5,500 words). European Trade Union Institute analysis of EU Platform Work Directive and algorithmic management safeguards.
- ILR Review: "Social Partner Responses to AI in Denmark and Sweden" (October 2024, academic access). Directly addresses Danish tripartite approach to AI governance.
US Perspective (for comparison)
- CWA "Ghost Workers in the AI Machine" (September 2025, ~8,000 words). Deep survey data on US data workers; 86% worry about meeting financial responsibilities; median wage $15/hr.
Videos
- More Perfect Union: "How Google Broke Google" (August 2025). Features Alphabet Workers Union member on data worker conditions.
Danish Context
- Nordic AI Union Summit (March 2026, Oslo). Danish union participation confirmed.
- HK Privat and IDA unions. Actively addressing AI issues for white-collar workers.
- Danish tripartite model. Emphasis on negotiated solutions rather than legislation.
- Flexicurity system. How AI impacts the flexibility-security bargain.
Guiding Questions
- Algorithmic management: The ITUC raises concerns about algorithmic management undermining transparency. How prevalent is algorithmic management in Danish workplaces? What protections exist or are needed?
- The tripartite model: Denmark's labor market is governed through tripartite negotiation. Is this model well-suited to addressing AI, or does the pace of technological change require new approaches?
- Data workers: The CWA study highlights poor conditions for data workers who label AI training data. Does Denmark have such workers? Should Denmark regulate working conditions for AI training labor?
- Just transition: The ITUC calls for a "just digital transition." What would this look like in Denmark? How does it connect to existing flexicurity institutions and active labor market policies?
- Union strategy: What strategies are available to Danish unions? Collective bargaining on AI issues? Works council involvement? Legislative advocacy? International coordination through Nordic AI Union Summit?
Presentation Angle Ideas
- "AI and the Tripartite Model": Analyze how Denmark's distinctive labor market governance should adapt to AI. What role should unions, employers, and government each play? What new institutions or agreements are needed?
- "Algorithmic Management in Danish Workplaces": Focus on algorithmic management specifically. What transparency and accountability requirements should apply? How can works councils and union representatives gain visibility into AI systems affecting workers?
- "Preparing for the Nordic AI Union Summit": Frame your brief as preparation for March 2026 Oslo summit. What position should Denmark advocate? What Nordic coordination would benefit Danish workers?
- "Flexicurity Meets AI": Analyze how AI challenges Denmark's flexicurity model. Does AI require rebalancing flexibility and security? What updates to active labor market policies are needed for AI-displaced workers?