“90 social partners at European and national sectoral levels gathered in Brussels on 14 May 2024 to witness the signing by the European social partners of the banking sector of a joint declaration on the employment aspects of artificial intelligence. This statement is the beginning of an ongoing process on AI and also the culmination of extensive collaboration and dialogue between stakeholders, taking into account the dynamic challenges and opportunities of the sector in introducing processes and systems that use AI. ‘AI.
The declaration builds on the rich history of joint declarations signed by European social partners over the last five years, such as the Joint Declaration on Teleworking in the European Banking Sector (2017), the Joint Declaration on the Impact of Digitalisation on Employment (2018) and the joint statement on remote working and new technologies (2021).
The rise of AI presents both challenges and opportunities, as highlighted by the findings of the “Banking in 2030” project. The acceleration of digitalization, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has driven the adoption of AI in the banking sector, reshaping customer interactions and operational paradigms for its employees. Recognizing the transformative potential of AI, the European social partners highlight the importance of proactive joint efforts and responsible use of this technology.
The declaration, between UNI Europa – the European union of service workers – and the employers – the European banking employers EBF, EACB, ESBG – is the first of its kind in the sector in the EU.
This means that employers and trade unions should ensure that:
- exploit AI through social dialogue, including collective bargaining, regarding the use, implementation and continuous monitoring of AI;
- applications using AI systems are transparent, fair and impartial and employees must ensure that they are used accordingly;
- no worker is left behind: employers must provide the training necessary to adapt to new technologies. The declaration calls on the EU and national governments to provide funded training;
- AI surveillance to monitor employees should be limited, transparent and proportionate;
- as regards AI and all other aspects of digital transformation, humans will be kept at the center of the organization of work, in full compliance with the human-in-control principle;
- The European social partners will carry out a full evaluation of this Joint Declaration towards the end of their work program 2025-2026.
In conclusion, the European social partners reiterate their commitment to promoting a collaborative and inclusive approach to harness the potential of AI, while safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders in the European banking sector.”
International Staff
First Cisl Milano Metropoli
Attachments: joint statement
