Germany: Verdi’s 2019 innovation barometer flags need for greater co-determination on issue of artificial intelligence

The innovation barometer has been published annually since 2005 by the services trade union Verdi and the Technical University of Munich. The most recent edition focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence implementation on employment, as well as on the pace of work and working conditions. Based on a survey that gathered responses from 990 trade union and/or staff representatives on company supervisory boards and works councils, the barometer shows that the implementation of AI is rarely done following coordination or negotiation with such representatives and is leading to more intense working rhythms as well as greater scope for employees to be monitored. As a result, the study concludes that co-determination rules should urgently be extended to any introduction of new technology that impacts on work and employees.