Worker’s AI Counter Summit
On 16th October, the Irish Government will host its International AI Summit, bringing together political leaders, technology companies and academic institutions to discuss the future of artificial intelligence.
But there’s another conversation that needs to happen.
On 10th and 11th October, the Digital and Techworker Alliance (DATA-CWU) will host the Workers’ AI Counter Summit to put workers at the centre of the debate about power, AI, technology and the future of work.
Bosses and politicians are using AI as a way to reshape our workplaces, public services and everyday lives. It is influencing how work is organised, how decisions are made and what jobs look like.
Workers should not and cannot be left out of those decisions.
Workers Against Slopaganda
Our tagline, “Workers Against Slopaganda” reflects our aim – this is not a blanket rejection of technology.
We are challenging the idea that AI should be developed and deployed simply for profit, regardless of its impact on workers and communities.
We want to create space for critical voices, refusal of tech products that oppose our social interests, a rejection of Big Tech’s desire to achieve AI profitability at all costs.
The people who build, maintain, deploy, use and live with these technologies have vital expertise about how AI is reshaping work and society.
Their voices belong at the centre of the conversation.
Shape the Agenda
The programme is now being developed, and we want workers, organisers, researchers, creatives and communities to help shape it.
We are looking for contributions including:
- Workplace experiences
- Research and policy analysis
- Organising campaigns
- Practical workshops
- Panel discussions
- Demonstrations
- Artistic and creative work
- Music, film and performance
- Ideas that challenge dominant assumptions about AI and technological change
What Big Tech doesn’t want workers asking about AI
Is AI a tool or is it a product?
How is AI changing work in practice?
Who decides how AI is introduced into our workplaces?
What role should collective bargaining play in technological change?
What would democratic governance of AI look like?
What kinds of technology do workers and communities actually want?
How are people already organising around these issues?
How is tech and AI reshaping democracy?
