- European Social Partners in banking sign Joint Declaration on Employment Aspects of AI.
- Emphasizes importance of social dialogue and responsible AI implementation.
- Builds upon previous joint declarations and insights from ‘Banking in 2030’ project.
- Highlights include AI definition, social dialogue, responsible use, health and safety, and training.
- Commitment to monitoring, evaluation, and upholding digital rights.
- Signifies prioritization of innovation and worker welfare in AI integration.
Main AI News:
The European banking sector witnesses a significant stride as 90 social partners from both European and national levels convened to witness the signing of a Joint Declaration on Employment Aspects of Artificial Intelligence by the European Social Partners for the banking sector. This declaration, while marking the onset of an ongoing process concerning AI, stands as a testament to the extensive collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders, tailored to address the sector’s evolving challenges and opportunities amidst AI integration.
Michael Budolfsen, UNI Europa Finance President, emphasized the pivotal role of social dialogue in ensuring the responsible implementation of AI systems in the workplace, acknowledging the commitment demonstrated by the European Bank Social Partners. This commitment echoes the sentiment prevalent in previous joint declarations signed over the past five years, illustrating a concerted effort towards addressing pertinent issues such as telework, digitalization’s impact on employment, and remote work.
Drawing insights from the comprehensive ‘Banking in 2030’ project, funded by the European Commission, this declaration resonates with the culmination of sector-wide research and dialogue. The signing, occurring in conjunction with the project’s final conference, signifies a strategic alignment with the project’s findings, highlighting the transformative potential of AI in reshaping customer interactions and operational paradigms.
Jens Thau, Chairman of the EBF’s Banking Committee on European Social Affairs, emphasized the declaration’s significance in laying the groundwork for a future that prioritizes both innovation and workforce welfare. The declaration encapsulates key highlights, including the definition of AI, emphasis on social dialogue, responsible use, health and safety considerations, and the necessity of continuous training and digital competence development.
Furthermore, the declaration underscores the importance of upholding digital rights and commits to ongoing monitoring and evaluation of its implementation. Sébastien de Brouwer, Deputy CEO of the European Banking Federation, stressed the imperative of fairness, transparency, and human-centered approaches in AI integration, underscoring the collective commitment towards advancing technological innovation while safeguarding workers’ rights.
Elke Maes, UNI Europa Finance Vice President, hailed the declaration as a crucial step towards establishing mutually-agreed standards on AI, advocating for concerted efforts to ensure its widespread implementation across the European banking sector. Looking ahead, the European Social Partners remain committed to a comprehensive evaluation of the declaration, underscoring their dedication to fostering collaborative and inclusive approaches towards AI integration in the banking sector.
Conclusion:
The signing of the Joint Declaration marks a significant milestone in the European banking sector’s journey towards AI integration. It underscores a commitment to responsible AI deployment, prioritizing both innovation and the welfare of the workforce. This declaration sets a precedent for collaborative efforts in navigating the complexities of AI integration, fostering a market environment that values fairness, transparency, and human-centered approaches.
