Press release
OBVIA Report on AI in the Workplace

Trade unions are calling for a responsible deployment of AI, based on transparency, oversight, and training.

Following the publication of a report  by the International Observatory on the Social Impacts of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies (OBVIA), several union organizations — APTS, CSQ, CSN, FIQ, FTQ, SCFP, SFPQ, SPGQ, the United Steelworkers, and Unifor Québec — are calling for stricter oversight of the deployment of artificial intelligence. They emphasize the importance of transparent governance, active participation of workers and their representatives, as well as increased investment in training and skills development.

The results of a survey conducted among thousands of unionized workers in Quebec confirm what unions are observing on the ground: AI is already widely present in workplaces, but its implementation is rarely discussed with employees and their representatives. The trade unions reiterate that no major technological deployment can be carried out responsibly without transparency towards the people directly affected.

“The OBVIA report highlights a widespread lack of transparency regarding the current and future use of AI within organizations. Too many workers do not know whether AI systems are influencing their work, their working conditions, or the decisions that concern them. This opacity fuels mistrust and undermines the relationship of trust with employers,” said Robert Comeau (APTS), Éric Gingras (CSQ), Caroline Senneville (CSN), Julie Bouchard (FIQ), Olivier Carrière (FTQ), Danick Soucy (CUPE), Michel Girard (SFPQ), Guillaume Bouvrette (SPGQ), Nicolas Lapierre (United Steelworkers), and Daniel Cloutier (Unifor Québec).

Union organizations stress the urgence need to regulate AI in the workplace, as new AI-based management systems present increased risks of surveillance and control. As the report notes, employers should prioritize AI applications that support employees in their work rather than those aimed at monitoring them. The OBVIA report shows that organizational frameworks for AI remain largely insufficient or poorly understood.

“The absence of clear policies opens the door to arbitrary practices, work intensification and even abusive control of staff,” the spokespersons stated.

The unions believe that AI training must be provided during working hours and tailored to the realities of each workplace, depending on the tools being used. In addition to supporting job retention, such training should help workers understand AI tools, question them, and assess their impacts.

“The report confirms the extent of the training gap. The majority of respondents say they do not have access to AI training or are even unaware whether such training exists. Yet workers are increasingly required to use these tools and are held responsible in the event of errors,” union leaders deplored.

The organizations also stress that AI must not deepen inequalities, especially as entry-level jobs are becoming scarcer for young people. “Investment in training is essential so that everyone can adapt and maintain their place in a changing labour market.”

The findings of the OBVIA report should serve as a foundation for establishing genuine social dialogue on AI in the workplace. When unions are involved, the report shows that transparency increases, training improves, and trust is strengthened.

“The deployment of artificial intelligence in the workplace must not be at the expense of employees. On the contrary, it must contribute to improving working conditions, as well as the quality of services offered to the public,” the union spokespeople concluded.