By Samuel Akumatey, GNA
Ho, June 23, GNA – The Communication Workers Union (CWU) of the Trade Union Congress has drawn attention to the threat of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies to the human labor market.
Ms. Vida Quansah, National President of the Union, said job losses from digital adoption by companies and the current economic situation spell doom for the future of human resources.
He urged the government and labor unions to seek measures to secure livelihoods for many.
He made the call at the Union’s 8th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference held in Ho on the theme: “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Future of Work: The Role of the Union.”
“AI is no longer science fiction,” he said, noting the influence on the workforce.
“While artificial intelligence offers huge potential for increased productivity and innovation, it also raises serious concerns about job displacement, skills gaps and potential inequalities.
“It is my desire that the discussion at this conference results in a concrete actionable strategy for the next four years in positioning the association to take advantage of existing technologies and stay ahead of the curve.”
The National President also spoke of the “devastating” effects of the current economic situation on workers “especially in the communications and postal sector” and “urges good measures to be taken by the government to mitigate the effects on the working class in the Country.”
Mrs. Quansah appealed to all Ghanaians to promote peace, unity and harmony before, during and after the upcoming elections.
Mr. Joseph Yao Hotor, Secretary General of the Union, spoke of “significant challenges” faced in recent times by the overwhelming advancement of technology.
“The loss of projects and the resulting redundancies have led to a decline in our membership and difficulty in organizing, particularly with remote work arrangements. American Towers Corporation, Ghana, Ericson AB, Ghana and Prime and Infrastructure Engineering have been affected.
“The union noted when metro TV laid off around 200 employees as part of restructuring efforts during the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting. This is how it happened with TV Africa. During this period, the Union had seen a significant number of its members laid off – a trend largely due to the rapid development of technology.
“While the union fully supports technological progress, it strongly opposes the introduction of technologies that would lead to job losses and the displacement of workers,” he said.
The Secretary-General said the conference theme raised the critical need for trade unions to be at the forefront of the emerging technological revolution, noting how the International Labor Organization warned of the impact of genetic artificial intelligence with an estimated 75 million jobs earmarked for automation .
He praised the Trade Union Congress for its “tireless efforts” to revise the country’s Labor Law, which he said would enable workers to win their rights through technological intrusion.
Mr. Hotor added that the law review should provide safeguards for employment by regulating technology that poses risks to human jobs.
He said the Union will work with the Ministry of Communications to “explore the impact of emerging technologies and develop innovative solutions to protect and create new job opportunities, ensuring a secure and prosperous future for workers.
“It is very important for associations, industries and governments to adopt and prepare for these changes by investing in training, retraining and upgrading programmes. These will enable workers to transition into new roles and take advantage of the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence and automation. These strategies are essential for a just technological transition,” he said.
Dr Yaw Baah, General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress, said that trade unions should not be swayed by the advancement of artificial intelligence.
“Technology is not the enemy. We just have to tap into it and we have to use it. The role of the union is to ensure that despite technological changes the union still remains,” he said.
The General Secretary reported that the CWU was recognized as one of the most peaceful unions in the TUC and should maintain prospects for further building the Union.
He reiterated the TUC’s commitment to succeeding in the revision of the Labor Act and expressed hope in the President’s determination to bring it into force.
Among the dignitaries at the Conference were heads of various sister unions in the country.
GNA