Navigating the impact of AI systems in the workplace: strengths and loopholes of the EU AI Act from a labour perspective

Abstract

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace presents both opportunities and risks. It may improve productivity and working conditions, but if misapplied or opaquely used, may exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. In the European Union, developments in the AI landscape have prompted legislative efforts, most notably reflected in the long-waited EU Artificial Intelligence Act. This paper aims to examine the impact of such Regulation on the use of AI systems in the field of work, providing a first assessment of its legal framework.

The paper argues that while the EU AI Act improves previous drafts, ambiguities and loopholes remain. However, it also points out that the Regulation provides only a minimum shared framework, leaving room for more favourable provisions or collective agreements. Against this background, the paper emphasises the key role of social partners in establishing context-specific regulations for AI use in the workplace and concludes by affirming that only multi-stakeholder synergies will be capable of keeping pace with fast-evolving technology such as AI.