Antonio Tejeda Encinas, International Observer United Nations Commission on International Trade Law – UNCITRAL, Working Group I (Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises), Attorney Antonio Tejeda Encinas, Comite Euro Americano Digital Law
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 met through a collaborative approach among social actors. Below is a breakdown of the key points of the report entitled 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 Labour Organization (ILO) and the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology, addresses the deep disparities in the adoption of artificial intelligence at a global level, 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, workforce reskilling, the international governance of AI, the impact on gender inequality and vulnerable groups, as well as the need to foster public-private cooperation to guarantee the future sustainability of work.
Social dialogue, in this context, is not an isolated issue. It is intrinsically linked to all these questions, 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 reinforces workers’ rights.
BRIEF REFLECTIONS that strike me as both Global and Local:
International and National Dimension of Social Dialogue
AI is a global phenomenon, but its implementation and the frameworks for social dialogue vary significantly between countries. While in Spain the tripartite negotiation tables between employers, trade unions and 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 in the exchange of best practices.
Regionalism and Globalization in the Post-COVID Era
COVID-19 accelerated the transition towards a more regionalist form of globalization. Employers’ associations and trade unions are now focused on strengthening local supply chains, avoiding excessive dependence on external markets. In the Canary Islands, for example, trade unionism has adopted a more territorial stance, defending workers’ rights in key sectors such as tourism and public services. Simultaneously, Spanish business associations have sought to maintain internal flexibility through mechanisms such as ERTEs (temporary workforce adjustment schemes).
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, by underlining the need for balance between flexibility and job security. The 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).
The Canary Islands: An Adapted Model of Social Dialogue
The Canary Islands, with their island economy based on vulnerable sectors such as tourism, agriculture, commerce and logistics, demand 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, Cabildo de Tenerife), employers (Ceoe-Tenerife) and trade unions UGT Tenerife, CCOO Tenerife) to guarantee the protection of employment and regional competitiveness.
We propose the creation of: “CanariasTech Hub”, a regional platform intended to assess the impact of AI on key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, commerce and logistics. This platform will also foster policies adapted to the specific needs of the region, ensuring a technological implementation that protects both employment and competitiveness.
Likewise, the “Tech Talent Canarias” initiative will bring together companies and the government in continuous training programs, designed to equip workers with the skills needed to face the digital transformation, guaranteeing that vulnerable sectors such as tourism and agriculture can maintain their relevance in an increasingly automated environment.
