Members may be aware, The Executive Office (TEO) launched a consultation on a draft public sector AI Strategy on 12 August.
NIPSA has raised serious concerns about the lack of meaningful trade union engagement before the launch. Although we attended a brief introductory meeting with TEO officials on 23 February, there has been no further engagement or discussion since.
The Executive Office has claimed that it engaged with trade union representatives in February as part of developing the draft strategy. We consider this statement to be disingenuous, as one brief meeting does not amount to meaningful engagement. However, we welcome TEO’s acknowledgement that trade union input will be essential in shaping the final strategy.
NIPSA recognises the need for an overarching strategy to govern the use of AI across the public sector. However, any strategy that may change how our members work must be shaped through early and meaningful consultation with the union. NIPSA will call for a strategy that safeguards members, protects jobs and the environment, and ensures new technologies are introduced transparently, ethically and with proper human oversight.
NIPSA will now review the draft strategy, mindful of conference policy, and press for early consultation that will allow us to protect our members’ rights and dignity, ensuring technology supports rather than undermines or displaces high-quality public sector jobs.