As Lithuania prepares to implement the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, the Lithuanian Industry Trade Union Federation (LPPSF) emphasizes that technological progress must go hand in hand with workers’ rights, social security, and quality jobs. The principle of “AI that empowers people” cannot remain just a nice phrase – it needs concrete substance. This message was also conveyed in LPPSF’s appeal to the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation of the Republic of Lithuania, which drafted the legislative amendments related to the implementation of the AI Act.
The Federation proposes ten princpals to ensure that the development of artificial intelligence is socially responsible:
- Social safeguards must be established – all AI systems that affect workers must be assessed in advance, and high-risk systems must not be deployed without an analysis of their impact on workers.
- Genuine social dialogue must become a mandatory standard. Trade unions must be involved before AI systems are introduced, and their role should be strengthened at the national level.
- Workers’ right to training must become the norm, not the exception – including paid time for upskilling and accessible learning opportunities for all.
- AI must not worsen working conditions. On the contrary, it should reduce dangerous and monotonous tasks, not increase workload or pressure.
- Algorithmic transparency is essential. Workers must know how systems evaluating them operate, and important decisions cannot be left solely to automation – human oversight must remain fundamental.
- Preparation for labour market changes is necessary – the state must have a clear plan to support workers whose jobs are affected by AI.
- Productivity gains must be shared fairly. If AI creates value, it should be reflected in workers’ wages and working conditions.
- Regional disparities must be reduced – investments in digital skills should reach not only major cities but also regions.
- A strong oversight system is needed – institutions must have the capacity to monitor AI impacts and ensure accountability for violations.
- All AI policy must be based on the principle of social justice – equal opportunities, protection of workers’ rights, and human dignity.
LPPSF stresses that only this approach will allow artificial intelligence to become a driver of progress rather than another source of inequality.
