Technology and Robotics for Better Work and Better Lives

Rapid advances in technology and robotics are presenting an urgent challenge to workers and society. The trade union movement must be prepared to challenge the drive by employers to undermine jobs, wages and conditions by the introduction of new technology. While accepting that technological developments will continue to change the workplace we must become proactive by formulating strategies that demand that new technologies are used to improve the working and living standards of our members and society as a whole.

Conference calls on NIC ICTU to instigate research into how new technology and robotics can help us deliver on our traditional demands for a shorter working week, better health and safety standards, a real living wage and look at how we can campaign to influence public policy on this issue.

A paper should be produced with input from affiliate unions, and advisory committees looking at likely impacts of robotics and technology on different economic sectors, followed by a campaigning strategy which could form part of the Better Work, Better Lives Campaign.

This paper could include but not be limited to:

• Demand that the introduction of new technology should be subject to negotiation and consultation with affected workers and society in general.
• Making the case that in industries where the introduction of new technology allows workers to increase output workers’ wages should be increased commensurate with the increased productivity.
• Demand for a state led strategy that includes increased investment in skills development and research and development to allow Northern Ireland to attract high skilled jobs in the technology and robotics industry.
• On the basis that new technology is likely to also create new types of work and job categories we need to be prepared to attract such work while ensuring that it is of high quality, unionised, pensionable and secure.
• Campaigning for recognition by government and employers that using increased productivity to increase wages and shorten the working week has huge benefits to society as a whole. For example, providing people have more time for education, arts, volunteering and family while still being able to spend money in the economy.
• That the introduction of such technology enhances the welfare and genuine social security of our society but never replaces the essential human and humane interaction that is needed in the delivery of health and social care.