AI Impact on Telecom Employees, Syndicom Formulates Claims (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• AI is changing the daily tasks of telecom workers
• Employees demand more training and transparency on AI
• Syndicom has formulated a package of claims for workers

Key facts

• What: Impact of AI on telecom workers
• When: Study conducted by Ecoplan on behalf of Syndicom
• Where: Switzerland
• Who: Swisscom, Sunrise, Microsoft, Syndicom

Artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly altering the daily tasks of information and communication technology (ICT) sector workers in Switzerland. According to a study conducted by the consulting firm Ecoplan on behalf of the trade union Syndicom, employees report increased efficiency, but also higher requirements, rising workload intensity, uncertainty, and increasing pressure.

Impact on efficiency and workload pressure

Telecom employees report increased efficiency due to AI, but also higher requirements, rising workload intensity, uncertainty, and increasing pressure. The transformation primarily affects individual tasks rather than entire professions, but the trend is clear: skills, judgment, and continuous training remain decisive factors in addressing change.

Employees' requests

Among the requests made by interviewed employees are greater opportunities for professional updating, transparent information on opportunities and risks of AI, and active involvement in the design of innovation processes. Based on these results, Syndicom has formulated a package of claims: strong participation rights in the introduction of AI, job protection, reduction of working hours, binding regulations for data protection, clear attribution of responsibility in case of algorithm errors, and worker participation in productivity increases generated by digitalization.

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Operational details

Implications for Workers

The impact of AI on telecom sector workers has significant implications for their working life and profession. Employees report increased efficiency, but also higher requirements, rising work intensity, uncertainty, and greater pressure. The transformation primarily affects individual activities rather than entire professions, but the trend is clear: skills, judgment, and continuous training remain crucial factors for adapting to change.

Advanced Requests

Among the advanced requests from interviewed employees are greater opportunities for professional updating, transparent information on opportunities and risks of AI, and active involvement in designing innovation processes. Based on these results, Syndicom has formulated a package of demands: strong participation rights in the introduction of AI, job protection, reduced working hours, binding norms for data protection, clear attribution of responsibility in case of algorithm errors, and worker participation in productivity increases generated by digitalization.

Company Positions

During the meeting in Bern last Friday, companies expressed open positions. Anne-Thérèse Morel of Swisscom emphasized that the group uses AI following clear principles of data protection, ethics, and governance, investing in training, requalification, and socially sustainable transition. Andreas Gertsch of Sunrise, on the other hand, highlighted the importance of giving employees the freedom to experiment with new technologies, while simultaneously developing a critical spirit to verify results and apply them responsibly.

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Key points

Concrete Actions

To address the impact of AI on telecom sector workers, it is essential that companies and trade unions collaborate closely. Companies must invest in training and re-qualification of employees, ensuring they are prepared to handle new technologies. Trade unions, on the other hand, must represent workers' requests and work towards defining shared corporate rules that ensure transparency and data protection.

Active Involvement

It is fundamental that workers are actively involved in the design of innovation processes. This involvement can help ensure that new technologies are applied responsibly and that workers are prepared to handle changes. Additionally, it is important that companies are transparent regarding the opportunities and risks of AI, providing clear and accessible information to employees.

Expected Outcomes

The ultimate goal is that innovation does not benefit only the companies, but actively involves those who, through their work, contribute every day to digital transformation. This approach can help ensure that workers are protected and that new technologies are applied responsibly and transparently.

Conclusion

The impact of AI on telecom sector workers is a complex issue that requires constructive dialogue and collaboration among social partners. Companies must invest in training and re-qualification of employees, while trade unions must represent workers' requests and work towards defining shared corporate rules. It is fundamental that workers are actively involved in the design of innovation processes and that companies are transparent regarding the opportunities and risks of AI. This approach can help ensure that workers are protected and that new technologies are applied responsibly and transparently. Salary Calculator

Source: swissinfo.ch