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CAMPAIGN AI at work/Equalities
WATCHING AI, WATCHING US
Employers might be using AI to watch workers – but Unite is watching AI…that’s why membership is key
Mirroring other industries, artificial intelligence (AI) is now increasingly being used in global food production too.
There are potential benefits but Unite is demanding that any new workplace technology must take account of the impact on workers and union reps must be involved in new agreements.
Unite is particularly concerned about the increasing use of AI for surveillance purposes on workers because AI regularly fails to understand equality.
Employers have always tried to track workers. In factories this has often taken the form of clocking in or swipe cards, but workplace AI tracking is new. This enables cameras to monitor workers’
movements.
Often employers cite health and safety reasons, which can be true, but it needs workforce consultation, and system checks installed to protect workers.
There is also a growing understanding about how AI surveillance can impact the mental health of employees, who can feel less valued and more anxious about changes at work and increased workloads.
Unite recognises the need for the UK to embrace new technologies but demands proper protections and a voice for workers on the introduction of AI.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham commented, “We have serious concerns about matters such as AI- powered surveillance and discrimination by algorithm, particularly with ‘high-risk’ decisions like recruitment, performance assessments and discipline.”
These concerns follow a worrying trend of AI embedding discrimination against women, Black and Asian ethnic minorities, disabled and LGBTQ+ workers.
20 uniteLANDWORKER Summer 2026
AI was a major topic of discussion for delegates, when they gathered for the IUF Food Processing Division steering group meeting last December.
Delegates felt transparency was a major challenge, particularly where employers do not disclose what, when or how AI technology is being used.
Without safeguards the IUF said, “workers may be unaware when AI is making decisions that affect them – or lack the ability to provide informed consent.”
They feel that transparency is vital to allow the workforce to “negotiate the introduction while mitigating potential adverse impacts.”
Sarah Meyer, IUF International Officer for the food processing sector, said, “By safeguarding workers’ fundamental rights and strengthening our international solidarity, we can ensure that the rights and livelihoods of those who keep the food industry running are protected.”
Unite has produced a guide for officers and reps which lays out the issues and
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