UN Experts Warn AI Is Transforming Work and Raising Labor Rights Concerns
UN Experts Warn AI Is Transforming Work and Raising Labor Rights Concerns
Experts from international organizations are raising concerns about how artificial intelligence is changing working conditions around the world, particularly for workers behind digital platforms and AI systems.
During a recent webinar organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), specialists discussed how AI-driven technologies are affecting jobs—from delivery drivers managed by algorithms to content moderators who review harmful material to train AI systems.
According to Sher Verick, the ILO’s coordinator for digitalization and AI, the key issue is no longer whether AI will transform work but how the transition can ensure fair and decent working conditions.
“AI is already transforming work,” Verick said. “The real question is how to ensure that this transformation promotes social justice and decent employment.”
Hidden Workforce Behind AI
Many AI systems rely on a largely unseen workforce responsible for reviewing content and preparing data for machine learning models. These workers include content moderators who filter harmful material online and data labelers who help train AI systems by organizing and annotating information.
Ben Richards of UNI Global Union described these workers as part of an “invisible workforce” that supports many digital services used globally. However, workers often report harsh conditions, including heavy monitoring, low wages, and exposure to disturbing content that can affect mental health.
Reports indicate that many of these jobs are outsourced to countries in the Global South, where workers may review hundreds of videos daily—including violent or disturbing material—while being bound by strict non-disclosure agreements that prevent them from discussing their work.
Algorithmic Management and Worker Pressure
Experts also highlighted growing concerns about algorithmic management, where software systems determine work schedules, performance evaluations, and task assignments.
Research from University of Cambridge found that about two-thirds of delivery drivers and couriers in the United Kingdom experience anxiety due to unpredictable working hours and algorithm-based performance ratings.
Trade unions warn that these systems can push workers to meet unrealistic targets. In some cases, couriers may take risks to complete deliveries faster because of incentives or penalties linked to algorithmic performance metrics.
Calls for Stronger AI Governance
At a meeting of the UN’s new scientific panel on AI, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, emphasized the importance of guiding AI development responsibly.
He said the panel has a “huge responsibility” to help shape the future of AI so that it benefits humanity rather than worsening inequalities.
Organizations such as the ILO and ITU are now working on global initiatives to address AI’s impact on labor markets, including programs like the AI for Good platform and the Global Coalition for Social Justice.
Experts say the challenge is ensuring that AI enhances human work instead of undermining workers’ safety, rights, and well-being as the technology continues to spread across industries.
