Artificial intelligence poses a significant threat to employment, according to DGB Chief Fahimi. - Artificial intelligence poses a significant threat to jobs, according to DGB chief Fahimi.
In a keynote address at the German-American Trade and Tech Conference held in Berlin on June 24-25, 2025, Yasmin Fahimi, Chairperson of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), highlighted the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on work and the job market. Fahimi emphasised the need for labour policy to address the challenges posed by AI and technological disruption, ensuring fair adaptation for workers in the evolving job market.
Fahimi's remarks underscored her belief that AI should not be primarily used to cut personnel costs, but rather to fill skills gaps and make business models more innovative. She advocated for the use of AI in a collaborative manner with employees, automating tasks to enhance work rather than replace it.
However, Fahimi expressed concern about the potential loss of employee autonomy due to AI. She questioned how work will change and what kind of work will remain in the future. Fahimi warned that the non-adoption of AI could lead to the extinction of entire businesses, emphasising the importance of tackling AI adoption with energy and foresight.
Fahimi's call to action was to address AI adoption proactively to prevent the disappearance of businesses, and she called for new paths with an expanded co-determination model. She reiterated her concern about the job market, focusing on the threat of disappearing businesses due to lack of AI adoption, rather than AI threatening jobs in the current context.
Fahimi's perspective underscores the critical role of AI in shaping the future of work and the job market, and the need for collaborative policy efforts to manage its impact on employment, worker rights, and the overall job market landscape. Her statement, made on a Sunday, serves as a timely reminder for businesses to embrace AI and adapt to the changing work landscape to secure their future.
The Commission, in its consultations on the draft directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionising radiation, might also ponder upon the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technological disruption on workforces in the finance, business, and careers sectors.
Furthermore, as advocated by Yasmin Fahimi, investments and innovations in AI and artificial-intelligence technology should be thoughtfully implemented, prioritizing collaboration between employers and employees to foster creativity and enhance work efficiency, rather than as a means to reduce personnel costs.
Lastly, as businesses consider the integration of AI, they should diligently weigh the potential advantages alongside the risks, maintaining a focus on the preservation of employee autonomy, ensuring a sustainable balance between technological advancement and human labor.
