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Algorithmic transparency and accountability in the world of work: A mapping study into the activities of trade unions

Algorithm Watch;International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) (2023), 29 pp.
"This report, prepared by AlgorithmWatch for the ITUC, looks at examples from around the world of how unions are tackling the crucial issues of transparency and regulation in relation to algorithms. It reveals that while there is a substantial and growing body of trade union knowledge and policy, there is a need to build that into practical information, advice and guidance for union representatives and negotiators. The report includes examples of where unions are doing this, and puts the case for such efforts to be extended and deepened. The report should be read in the context of many governments failing to properly implement ILO Convention 98 on the right to organise and collective bargaining. That Convention, ratified by 168 countries, requires governments to promote collective bargaining, which is very often not the case. As the ITUC Global Rights Index shows, the fundamental rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining are under attack, either by governments or with their compliance and support." (Page 3)
The response of trade unions to automation in the world of work, 6
Research and methodology, 8
Work-related focus: what issues are trade unions addressing? 9
Scope and actors: who is talking about algorithmic transparency and accountability? 12
Contributions: what are trade unions achieving? 12
Trends: what to take from the analysis? 17
Recommendations for strategic action, 18
COUNTRY DESCRIPTIONS
Africa: South Africa, Kenya, 19
Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, USA, Uruguay, 20
Asia: China, Hong Kong, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, 22
Europe: Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, 24
Oceania: Australia, 28