Dublin, the capital of Ireland, known as the tech capital of Europe, hosted two distinct artificial intelligence summits last week.
Distinct Summits
The most attention was focused on the International Artificial Intelligence Summit, which was the main tech event during Ireland's six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union. At this summit, senior executives from the world's largest tech companies discussed ways to utilize artificial intelligence and mitigate security risks.
However, the previous weekend, a different conversation took place at the AI Workers Summit, where tech workers in Ireland called for a greater role in shaping how this technology impacts the workplace and society.
Increase in Union Membership
The booming tech industry in Ireland has been affected by a wave of layoffs due to artificial intelligence, and newly established trade unions in the country have seen a significant increase in member registrations. Sinn Féin's social representative, Sinéad Gibney, stated that an "awareness" is forming among tech workers in Ireland, and they have realized that no one is immune to these changes.
She said, "Some roles will be automated, which means more competition for the same roles. This situation will lead to a decline in job quality and an increase in zero-hour contracts."
The Digital and Tech Workers Union (DATA), as the exclusive union for tech workers in Ireland, has experienced a fivefold increase in membership since its establishment in 2023, with the number currently exceeding 1,350.
This increase in registrations is due to a wave of layoffs in Ireland's tech bubble as well as globally, as companies seek to correct over-hiring during the pandemic and invest in artificial intelligence.
Many large tech companies, including Meta and TikTok, have laid off a significant number of their employees in recent years. Meta alone has reduced half of its workforce in Ireland.
A tech worker expresses that it feels as if companies will replace you with artificial intelligence if they can. He also noted that the Irish government seems more focused on protecting large tech investments rather than supporting workers.
Need for Dialogue and Collaboration
Finola Ni Bhrógain, the organizing and campaigning officer at the Communications Workers Union of Ireland, was the only union voice at the AI summit. She emphasized that real dialogues with workers are essential for shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
She stated, "Without the voices of workers, we are at risk of deepening distrust and resistance, and we cannot create conditions where workers can participate in shaping their own future."
