By Tom Glassey
Publication Date: 2026-01-14 20:07:00
Microsoft has signed a groundbreaking agreement with Australia’s governing body of trade unions.
The pact is Designed to give workers a formal voice in the adoption of artificial intelligence in the workplace, including collaboration on AI capabilities (The Age).
In the past, Unions have said mismanaged AI systems risk losing workers’ skills, increasing surveillance and losing accountability in decision-making.
“Workers through their unions “We have consistently raised concerns that AI is being developed and deployed without their voices being heard,” said ACTU Deputy Secretary Joseph Mitchell.
Steven Miller, Microsoft’s area vice president for Australia and New Zealand said workers were critical to Australia’s ability to benefit from AI: “They are the ones who will use it. They are the ones who will drive adoption.”
The framework is not legally binding. It obliges both parties to consult in good faith in disputes, but does not create…
