International Workers’ Memorial Day 2025: Protection of Workers’ Rights in the Age of AI and Digitalization

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) is using the International Workers’ Memorial Day this April 28 as an opportunity to call for urgent attention to the threats to workers’ rights and safety posed by digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI).

Work and the Dark Side of AI

AI is, at times, heralding a revolution, but it is also proving destructive for workers. Instead of improving working conditions, oftentimes AIs are in the hands of managements for algorithmic governance, surveillance, and setting impossible productivity standards that could harm workers’ well-being or health and safety.

At present, about 427 million workers around the globe are affected by AI in the workplace, while 80 percent of large corporations monitor individual productivity using AI. Now with monitoring, impossible targets, and no input by workers to change their ways which technologies to help them survive the pressure of AI is causing burnout, injury, and extreme stress.

From warehouses, hospitals, delivery, and laboratories, there is increased pressure on the workers. Therefore, ITUC suggests technology should be applied with workers consultations and involvement with safety, fairness, and dignity.

• The full involvement of unions in the design and deployment of workplace AI to ensure rights and safety for workers are put first.
• Workers’ rights are paramount in the development of transparent technologies focused on humans.
• A binding ILO Convention on platform work to ensure protection for every worker in the digital economy.
• Remembering the Dead, Fighting for the Living

On April 28, we remember and honor those who have lost their lives due to unsafe working conditions and engage in advocacy for their comrades still alive in today’s world, shackled with the heavy burden of ungoverned AI technologies. ITUC’s 2025 International Workers’ Memorial Day Report.