TECHNOLOGY & WORKERS' RIGHTS: the role of trade unions in a changing landscape

The rapid pace of technological development, particularly digital transformation, is reshaping the world of work in the Asia Pacific. This evolution offers opportunities for increased productivity and new job roles but also presents challenges such as job displacement, data privacy concerns, and the erosion of traditional labour rights. To navigate this dynamic environment, trade unions must have the knowledge and skills to advocate for fair, human-centred technology use.

OBJECTIVES

The course aimed to enhance trade unions' understanding of technological advancements and their implications for the world of work. It focused on building strategies to protect workers' rights in the digital economy and fostered the capacity to advocate for ethical technology policies, ensuring that digitalization supports decent work.

PEDAGOGICAL | COURSE OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the course, participants were expected to:

• Evaluate the impacts of digital transformation on employment and work conditions.

• Advocate for workers’ data privacy through negotiations and regulatory advocacy.

• Design and implement human-centred technology policies that align with labour rights.

• Strengthen union strategies for engaging workers and negotiating fair algorithmic management.

STRUCTURE AND CONTENT 

The course followed a blended learning approach, combining three weeks of online modules and a three-day in-person training session in Singapore. The online component covered digital transformation trends, workers' data privacy rights, and unions' strategies in the digital age. The in-person sessions reinforced these concepts through hands-on workshops, interactive discussions, and expert-led sessions.

FACE-TO-FACE TRAINING SESSIONS

Analyzing Technological Advancements. Participants explored the latest technological trends and their implications for various sectors, including manufacturing and services. Interactive exercises and group discussions enabled them to assess job creation versus displacement, focusing on strategies for reskilling workers.

Data Rights and Privacy. This session delved into regional data privacy regulations, featuring case studies on privacy breaches and best practices. Participants engaged in role-playing exercises to practice negotiating data protection measures in collective agreements, concluding with a tailored advocacy plan for their unions.

Trade Union Strategies in the Digital Era. Discussed developing union strategies to engage workers amidst digital work platforms, focusing on advocating for algorithmic transparency and digital worker organizing.

Grievance Handling in the Digital Age. Discussed the effective grievance handling in the digital era, emphasizing case-based learning. Participants learned approaches to managing digital disputes, resolving algorithmic grievances, and incorporating these practices into collective bargaining strategies.

Strategic Planning for Digital Transformation. Focused on strategic planning and policy development for digital transformation. Participants worked collaboratively crafting technology policies prioritising human rights and equity, presenting their strategies for peer and expert feedback.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

By completing the course, participants acquired:

• Analytical skills for assessing technological impacts on work and employment.

• Competence in advocating for data privacy and regulatory protections through collective bargaining.

• The ability to create and implement policies for responsible digitalization.

• Enhanced skills in organizing, bargaining, and handling grievances in digital transformations.