Advances in technology and evolving workplace operations will require the modernization of collective agreements. This webinar will prepare attendees to address emerging issues in the workplace, such as artificial intelligence (“AI”) and remote work, during bargaining. Specifically, the panel will answer the following questions:

• What aspects of the use of AI, such as algorithmic management, should be addressed through bargaining and collective agreement language? Do standard “technological change” provisions effectively address concerns about the impact of AI on the workforce?
• How can parties, through bargaining, tackle the privacy issues arising from the use of emerging technologies (e.g. GPS tracking, video surveillance, biometric scanning) in the workplace? What lessons can be learned from recent decisions regarding the monitoring and surveillance of employees?
• When will an employer’s return-to-office mandate or limitations on remote work violate a collective agreement? What features of remote or hybrid work arrangements have been specifically addressed in collective agreement provisions? What options, other than remote or hybrid work, should employers and unions consider during bargaining to address presenteeism and/or absenteeism?
• How are employers and unions responding to hiring freezes, layoffs, or labour shortages? What steps can the parties take during bargaining to ensure that staffing and workloads are appropriate and the workplace is physically and psychologically safe?
• What are some examples of emerging leaves-benefits provisions? How should parties approach the bargaining of leaves and benefits?

What steps are employers and unions taking to draft or review bargaining proposals and collective agreement language relating to equity, diversity, and inclusion (“EDI”)?