Manuela GELENG

What Manuela GELENG has said (4)

• “The 24 Eurobarometer survey, conducted in all member States, clearly showed that a majority of Europeans have a positive outlook on these technologies. In the workplace, 62%, but 84% are asking for AI to be managed, and clear rules will support the development of trust, which will make the adoption and deployment smoother. Clear rules and guidance will also benefit SMEs. We certainly need to explore the interplay between existing legislation, including in the labour and social acquis, and clearly we are not starting from scratch. Ultimately, it is about ensuring a level playing field because employers who prioritise ethical AI deployment must not be disadvantaged by the competitors that do not. Um, there are some principles that are were mentioned today and that we consider very, very important the human in control principle, including in the workplace. Humans must lead, not follow algorithms. The adoption of AI and advanced technologies must be accompanied by strong investments in education, training and skills development, and a strong social dialogue. This is crucial to build trust. So on on the next steps, I think we have and this was highlighted also today, an important, uh, legislative acquis, the Artificial Intelligence Act, the GDPR, the platform directive and EU acquis on occupational health and safety. Not. And I could go on with the list. And I think the algorithmic management chapter of the platform directive is certainly a valid starting point for our future reflections. Um, clear is that a regulatory patchwork hinders the growth of companies. And, uh, if we want to trigger investment, facilitate faster adoption of digital technologies and establish a level playing field for businesses. Regulatory clarity will be a key element for that. So we very much look forward to the views of the Parliament in its forthcoming opinion. Many thanks.”
  Artificial Intelligence · Regulation of teleworking labour conditions · Platform workers
• “Thank you. Honourable chairs and members of the committee. I think the topic is really at the very heart of the ongoing transformation of the world of work. And as we know, digital technologies permit our workplaces to bring both promise and challenges. And our strategy for AI and digital technologies in the workplace must be twofold. First of all, we need to unlock the opportunities digitalization offers to businesses and workers alike. But secondly, we also must protect workers from potential harms of digital technologies. And these objectives are complementary and inseparable. The draft report is indeed an important contribution to addressing the complexities of algorithmic management. It draws upon the provisions of algorithmic management in the Platform Work Directive as a foundational framework, and addresses the distinct challenges posed by algorithmic management across the board. The world of work. The draft report rightly emphasizes the key elements such as transparency, human oversight, and the revision of certain practices to safeguard workers. Another key aspect of the draft report is its focus on workers safety, health and the imperative of information and and consultation. This ensures that workers are informed and empowered and have a voice in how new technologies impact the work environment. This will continue to create more trust in the adoption and use of these technologies. So by focusing on empowering workers with skills and knowledge, creating a framework for safe and inclusive workplace and ensuring a future proof regulatory environment. The report proposes a comprehensive foundation for shaping the future of work. In this regard, I think it's essential to consider that the absence of a cohesive, EU wide set of rules could lead to a fragmented regulatory landscape, with different regulatory approaches between the member states, and this would likely result increase in increased compliance costs and obstacles for innovation, particularly impacting SMEs and mid-cap companies. So I really welcome this discussion today. I think this report is an important step towards shaping a future of work that is both inclusive and equitable, and we look forward to continue working together on this key topic. Thank you.”
  Regulation of teleworking labour conditions · Platform workers
• “Thank you. Thank you very much. And I think we welcome this important debate. I think we heard a lot about artificial intelligence and digital technologies at the workplace. Their opportunities, their, um, their possible adverse impacts and how to mitigate. I think we also heard, um, the request for simplification and the request for to support SMEs and small mid-caps. But I think we need to be very clear on this. The absence of EU wide rules does not necessarily mean that things will become simpler for business. The increasing adoption of these technologies in the workplaces will push member states to regulate themselves, and this is explicitly allowed for labour markets by both the GDPR and the Artificial Intelligence Act. Fragmented. Regulatory. A fragmented regulatory patchwork where member states develop divergent rules, increases compliance costs, hinders innovation for companies and particularly for SMEs. We have heard a lot about benefits and risks of AI in the workplace, but let me recall that our approach to the adoption of AI and digital technologies in the workplace should be two pronged. On one side, to enable the opportunities that digitalisation offers, both for businesses and for workers and on the other hand, protect workers from harms arising from the use of digital technologies. Not only these two goals are mutually reinforcing, they cannot simply exist without each other, and trust is the cornerstone to widespread AI adoption at the workplace. Um, before we heard about the survey conducted by the OECD among employers. And I think there is quite an interesting data coming out of that, because the survey shows that concern for workers and staff resistance are important and important reasons for employers to avoid using AI systems. And this is quite a substantial difference in the survey on how this is seen by US employers.”
  Regulation of teleworking labour conditions
• “Thank you for giving us the floor. This was actually news to us as well, but this is the current knowledge that that we have. So we are not aware of any omnibus covering the platform work directive at this point in time.”
  Platform workers