Microsoft Australia has signed a memorandum of understanding and framework agreement with the Australian Council of Trade Unions, marking a new benchmark for workers' rights in technology workplaces.
The agreement, also endorsed by the Australian Services Union, Professionals Australia, and the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association, formally recognises employees’ rights to join and be represented by their unions and strengthens the role of workplace delegates.
Under the agreement, Microsoft and the ACTU will jointly develop resources to support employees in gaining skills to work with AI systems and products.
These resources, delivered via unions, are designed to help workers engage with AI in their workplaces and contribute to its design and implementation.
Microsoft has committed to mechanisms that elevate workers' voices in decision-making and knowledge sharing during the development and deployment of AI systems.
The company has also pledged to respect the rights of creative and media workers, highlighting their vital role in Australian society, culture, and democracy.
ACTU assistant secretary Joseph Mitchell said, "Workers have consistently raised concerns that AI is being developed and deployed without their voices being heard. Microsoft Australia's commitments to recognise workplace rights and engage meaningfully with unions is a first for global technology companies operating in Australia. It’s time for other big tech employers to follow suit and place workers at the heart of AI planning and implementation."