#work - AlgorithmWatch

Publication15 March 2023

Press release

New study on AI in the workplace: Workers need control options to ensure co-determination

Employees must be included in the implementation process, if so-called Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems are introduced to their workplace. Such systems are used by many companies for automated decision-making (ADM) already. They are often based on Machine Learning (ML) algorithms. The European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) draft is designed to safeguard workers’ rights, but such legislative measures won’t be enough. An AlgorithmWatch study funded by the Hans Böckler Foundation explains how workers’ co-determination can be practically achieved in this regard.

Foto von Adam Birkett auf Unsplash

Story23 February 2023

A dollar for your face: Meet the people behind Machine Learning models

To train machine learning models, tech companies are hiring a Germany-based service provider to buy selfies and pictures of ID cards from underpaid gig workers, whose rights are often disregarded.

Publication23 February 2023

New study highlights crucial role of trade unions for algorithmic transparency and accountability in the world of work

Our report shows that trade unions are now called upon to focus on practical advice and guidance to empower union representatives and negotiators to deal with the challenges that automation puts onto workers.

Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash

Story9 December 2022

Wolt: Couriers’ feelings don’t always match the transparency report

In August, the Finnish delivery service Wolt published its first “algorithmic transparency report”. We asked three couriers about their experiences. They don't always match the report’s contents.

Image by Geraldine Lewa on Unsplash

Story2 September 2022

Digital Bouncers: AI in Recruiting

Automated decision-making systems are increasingly used by companies to decide who is best for a job. Applicants are worried about being rejected by a machine, based on programmed prejudices. In Switzerland, employers are especially reluctant to speak about the hiring algorithms that they use.

Photo by Souvik Banerjee on Unsplash

Story31 August 2021

LinkedIn automatically rates “out-of-country” candidates as “not fit” in job applications

A feature on LinkedIn automatically rates candidates applying from another EU country as “not a fit”, which may be illegal. I asked 6 national and European agencies about the issue. None seemed interested in enforcing the law.

Videos19 May 2021

Correlation, causation & proxy variables?

The field of automated decision systems is far-reaching and complex. Technical concepts are often difficult to understand for users and affected individuals, which makes such systems even more obscure than they already are. With our explanatory videos, we offer an easy introduction to important basic concepts. We hope to shed some light on the "black box" of algorithms and explain risks associated with automated decision-making in the context of human resources.

Guideline13 May 2021

Reviewing essential features of AI-based systems for works councils and other staff representatives

Questions that works councils should ask management before implementing new systems, or about systems already in place. Along with the questions, this guide also explains how to classify answers and what they should include.

Publication7 May 2021

People analytics in the workplace – how to effectively enforce labor rights

Increasingly, complex computational systems are being used to monitor, score, manage, promote and even fire employees. These systems are often referred to as people analytics. They have the potential to profoundly influence, alter, and redirect the lives of people at work, and therefore impact their life chances in general. In order for people to not suffer from the use of these systems but ideally benefit from it, there needs to be a comprehensive governance framework. Here’s how we will get there.

Alexandr Bormotin |Unsplash

Story15 May 2020

Finland: How to unionize when your boss is an algorithm and you’re self-employed

A group of Finnish couriers launched the Justice4Couriers campaign in 2018. Although they are technically self-employed, they must obey the whims of their platform’s algorithm. They are fighting back.