Microsoft and ZeniMax Workers Union Reach Tentative, 'Human-Centered', Agreement Over AI Usage
Following a deal that will convert some contract employees to full time Microsoft negotiations, negotiations between Microsoft and ZeniMax Workers United have resulted in a new tentative agreement over the use of AI.
The agreement was negotiated between 376 members of the union and Microsoft and the rules will govern artificial intelligence in the workplace. According to the Communications Workers of America, “The agreement commits ZeniMax to human-centered AI implementations and six guiding principles for the development and use of AI”. These principles are:
Under the deal, the use of AI will be done to augment what humans have already created and worked on to make sure that the tools don't take over the human contribution but enhance it and don’t harm workers. In announcing the deal, there aren't many specifics, but we do get an idea of some of what they're looking out for. This is only natural, as the use of new technologies will grow, but it seems like they want to keep things human-first. One of the guidelines involves The company providing notice to the union if a case arises where the use of AI technology might impact the work of the union members. If this happens, then a round of bargaining would begin on request.
“It’s hard to say how developments with AI may impact our work, but now we can be more confident that the agreement will help to protect us as we navigate the potential adoption of AI into our workflow,” said Dylan Burton, Senior QA Tester and member of ZeniMax Workers United-CWA, in the press release announcing the latest agreement.
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