Composite Q (covering Amended Motion 5 & Motion 29)
Artificial Intelligence, Automation & Just Transition
“That this Congress is deeply concerned by the vast developments in workplace technology and automation in Scotland coupled with the lack of the introduction of safeguards to protect workers. Prior to the pandemic, it was predicted that automation could result in 230,000 job losses across Scotland during this decade. Congress notes that more recent figures highlight the acceleration in automation with an estimated nine-in-ten employees needing to retrain by 2030.
“Congress recognises the impact Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation is having and believes that these issues should be included in any Just Transition plans.
“Congress notes that some jobs have been lost in renewables and this calls into question the Scottish Government’s overall commitment to a Just Transition.
“Congress further notes that AI and automation are impacting work across many sectors, particularly in technology, manufacturing, health and finance.
“Congress notes that the Flexible Workforce Development Fund offered an opportunity to deliver the skills necessary to adapt to these changes. Congress regrets the Scottish Government’s withdrawal of funding to this programme and is concerned that the delivery of quality apprenticeships and training programmes for workers will suffer as a result.
“Congress further believes that any Just Transition should consider AI and automation and the impact these will have on the industries/sectors affected.
“Congress calls for these plans to be based on:
- high quality unionised jobs, with greater workplace democracy and a real effective trade union voice for workers;
- people remaining in jobs with reduced hours; and
- pay and conditions protected and improved.
“Congress also believes that the need to plan and organise a proper and effective Just Transition requires:
- an extension of public ownership in key industries/sectors;
- “workers voice” to be a reality, with workplace trade union representatives included in all aspects and decisions within the transition plans; and
- greater investment in skills and apprenticeships.
“Congress further calls for the STUC General Council to urgently campaign for the immediate implementation of the following provisions to ensure workers are adequately trained to take advantage of the future world of work:
- a national investment plan in key industries/sectors including in social infrastructure such as care, health, and education, which are existing “green” sectors;
- the creation of much needed skilled and unionised jobs underpinned by collective bargaining agreements, protecting jobs, pay and conditions;
- significant and long-term investment in skills funding, including coordination of skills and education budgets across Scotland;
- a review of the Retail Modern Apprenticeship to ensure more accessible and transparent access to training and skills;
- positive action to tackle under-representation of disadvantaged groups, including calling on employers to report on what actions they are taking to promote inclusive training and skills provisions;
- the development of robust sectoral plans to support skills development across the whole of Scotland;
- a legal right to paid time off for retraining to encourage not just specialised skills such as data science, but greater overall digital literacy as well as broader skills development across the workforce; and
- a requirement under UK legislation for employers to consult on new technology, including the use of Equality Impact Assessments which employers must act upon.”
Mover: UNITE
Seconder: Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
Supporter: UNISON
RSS