CUPE Manitoba Applauds Gillingham’s Emerging Technology Committee, Calls on Manitoba Government to Follow Suit

CUPE Manitoba Applauds Gillingham’s Emerging Technology Committee, Calls on Manitoba Government to Follow Suit

WINNIPEG, TREATY 1 – Manitoba’s largest union supports incumbent mayoral candidate Scott Gillingham’s proposal to establish a committee to proactively address Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology and data centre policy.

“Technological innovations are transforming workplaces across Canada, including in public services and public sector workplaces,” CUPE Manitoba president Gina McKay said. “CUPE is a leader in AI public policy and would welcome a seat at the table to ensure regulation is developed with a worker-centred approach.”

The impacts of AI systems and other digital technologies depend on how they are used, and that they are not replacing Manitoba jobs and workers. When controlled by people, AI systems could help workers deliver quality public services. Left unchecked, AI and other digital innovations can have harmful consequences for work quality and workers’ rights.

“Workers have the power to control and shape how AI is used and the Urban Technology Review Committee is an opportunity to ensure jobs, workers’ rights and public services are protected as the technology is adopted in the municipality,” said McKay.

“As Manitoba’s largest union, we are hoping to see more worker voices reflected, and movement on things like protection from AI in health settings, and rules around AI in classrooms, for example,” said McKay.

“We hope the government of Manitoba is open and willing to follow the lead of the Mayor in establishing a strong cross section of Manitobans, including labour’s voice, to advise and support the policy work of the Minister.”

“We are open and willing to meet with Government to advance the representation of public service workers’ voices and experiences.”

The Canadian Union of Public Employees is Canada’s largest union representing more than 800,000 members. In Manitoba, CUPE represents approximately 40,000 members working in health care facilities, personal care homes, home care, school divisions, municipal services, social services, disability support services, child care centres, public utilities, libraries, and family emergency services.

• For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
  Garett Williams, CUPE Communications / Media Contact 431-482-3688