On 16 October 2024, the Department of Labor (DOL) released the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Worker Well-being: Principles and Best Practices for Developers and Employers, a roadmap to ensure that AI adoption in workplaces centres on worker well-being. The roadmap underscores the importance of involving workers, especially from underserved communities, in the design, development, and oversight of AI systems. It also calls for the ethical development of AI systems that protect workers' rights, safety, and civil liberties. The DOL notes that employers must comply with transparency measures and provide information on data collection, decision-making, and ensuring that AI does not infringe upon labour rights or promote discriminatory practices. The roadmap further advocates for AI systems to complement workers, improving job quality and reducing the risk of job displacement. Employers are encouraged to provide upskilling opportunities and support for workers during AI-related job transitions. Regular independent audits of AI systems are recommended to evaluate their impact on workers and ensure alignment with labour and civil rights standards. Additionally, the roadmap stresses the importance of securing worker data, limiting its collection to legitimate business purposes, and requiring informed consent before data sharing. These practices aim to foster trust, protect worker rights, and ensure responsible AI deployment in the workplace.
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