Antonio Tejeda Encinas, International Observer United Nations Commission on International Trade Law – UNCITRAL, Working Group I (Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises), Lawyer Antonio Tejeda Encinas, Euro-American Digital Law Committee
This UN-ILO report aims to delve into the relevance of social dialogue in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). The integration of this technology into the world of work poses unprecedented challenges, which can only be faced through a collaborative approach between social actors. Below are the key points from the report titled Mind the AI Divide: Shaping a Global Perspective on the Future of Work, published on July 26, 2024.
This report, co-authored by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Office of the UN Secretary-General for Technology, addresses the deep disparities in the adoption of artificial intelligence globally, and how these technological inequalities are affecting economies, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Social Dialogue and AI: Global Challenges
The report highlights vital issues, such as the digital divide, global inequalities, labor reskilling, international governance of AI, the impact on gender inequality and vulnerable groups, as well as the need to foster public-private cooperation to ensure future sustainability of work.
Social dialogue, in this context, is not an isolated issue. It is intrinsically linked to all these issues, in particular, to the continuous training of workers and cooperation between the public and private sectors. This report argues that social dialogue can be the most effective tool to ensure that AI not only improves business competitiveness, but also respects and strengthens workers’ rights.
BRIEF REFLECTIONS that seem Global and Local to me:
International and National Dimension of Social Dialogue
AI is a global phenomenon, but its implementation and social dialogue frameworks vary significantly between countries. While in Spain the tripartite negotiation tables between employers, unions and the government are well established, in other nations the lack of infrastructure and union organization weakens the process. In this context, organizations such as the ILO play an essential role in promoting global standards and exchanging best practices.
Regionalism and Globalization in the Post-COVID Era
COVID-19 accelerated the transition towards a more regionalist globalization. Employers and unions now focus on strengthening local supply chains, avoiding excessive dependence on external markets. In the Canary Islands, for example, unionism has adopted a more territorial stance, defending the rights of workers in key sectors such as tourism and public services. Simultaneously, Spanish business associations have sought to maintain internal flexibility through mechanisms such as ERTEs.
Other Circumstances That Have Affected Social Dialogue
In addition to COVID-19, other circumstances such as the 2008 financial crisis have significantly influenced social dialogue, underlining the need for a balance between flexibility and job security. Subsequent austerity policies eroded trust in these mechanisms, especially in Spain, where the 2012 labor reform remains divisive despite subsequent reforms (Royal Decree-Law 32/2021, Royal Decree-Law 8/2023 and Royal Decree-Law 2/2024).
Canary Islands: An Adapted Social Dialogue Model
The Canary Islands, with its island economy based on vulnerable sectors such as tourism, agriculture, commerce and logistics, requires a specific adaptation of social dialogue in the face of the technological disruption posed by AI. The transformation of these sectors requires a coordinated approach between government (Presidency of the Government of the Canary Islands, Tenerife Council), entrepreneurs (Ceoe-Tenerife) and unions UGT Tenerife, CCOO Tenerife) to guarantee employment protection and regional competitiveness.
We propose the creation of: “CanariasTech Hub”, a regional platform aimed at evaluating the impact of AI on key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, trade and logistics. This platform will also promote policies adapted to the specific needs of the region, ensuring technological implementation that protects both employment and competitiveness.
Likewise, the initiative “Tech Talent Canary Islands” will bring together businesses and government in continuous training programs, designed to train workers in the skills necessary to confront digital transformation, ensuring that vulnerable sectors such as tourism and agriculture can remain relevant in an increasingly automated environment.
