Protection of Workers in Relation to the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18690/lexonomica.17.1.79-120.2025Keywords:
artificial intelligence, algorithmic management, automation of work processes, discrimination, data protection, privacy protection, occupational safety and health, liability, worker protection, legal frameworkAbstract
This article examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on all stages of the employment relationship and analyses whether the current legal framework adequately protects workers from the risks posed by the use of AI in the workplace. The focus is on Slovenian labour law, while also considering relevant international and EU legal sources such as the AI Act, the Directive on Improving Working Conditions in Platform Work, the GDPR, and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. The author addresses legal challenges including discrimination, data protection, privacy, occupational safety and health, and liability for damages. The article finds that while some protective mechanisms already exist, none of the analysed legal sources comprehensively regulate AI use in employment relationships. To ensure effective worker protection, the author argues for either the amendment of current laws or the adoption of dedicated legislation. Since AI will play an even more significant role in Labour Law in the future, it is crucial for the law to adapt in a timely manner to the new challenges posed by AI.
Povzetek članka v slovenskem jeziku (abstract in Slovene language):
Ta članek obravnava vpliv umetne inteligence na vse faze delovnega razmerja ter analizira, ali obstoječi pravni okvir ustrezno varuje delavce pred tveganji, ki jih prinaša uporaba umetne inteligence v delovnem okolju. Članek se osredotoča na slovensko delovno pravo, pri čemer upošteva in analizira mednarodne in pravne vire EU, kot so Akt o umetni inteligenci, Direktiva o izboljšanju delovnih pogojev pri delu prek spletnih platform, Splošna uredba o varstvu podatkov (GDPR) in Listina EU o temeljnih pravicah. Avtorica obravnava pravne izzive uporabe umetne inteligence v delovnem okolju, kot so diskriminacija, varstvo podatkov, zasebnost, varnost in zdravje pri delu ter odgovornost za povzročeno škodo. Ugotavlja, da čeprav že obstajajo nekateri zaščitni mehanizmi, nobeden izmed analiziranih pravnih virov ne ureja uporabe umetne inteligence v delovnih razmerjih celovito. Za zagotovitev učinkovite zaščite delavcev avtorica zagovarja bodisi spremembo obstoječe zakonodaje bodisi sprejetje posebne zakonodaje. Ker bo umetna inteligenca v prihodnosti igrala še pomembnejšo vlogo na področju delovnega prava, je ključno, da se pravo pravočasno prilagodi novim izzivom, ki jih prinaša umetna inteligenca.
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