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Technological change planning and effects analysis

Negotiating Tech: An Inventory of U.S. Union Contract Provisions for the Digital Age

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Negotiating techParticipation in technology governanceCollaboration purpose and scopeTechnological change planning and effects analysis

1. Technology definitions

1.1 Technological change definitions

1.2 Artificial intelligence definitions

1.3 Wearables and sensor technology definitions

1.4 Information and communications technology definitions

1.5 Other workplace technology definitions

2. Foundational technology rights

2.1 Notification and information rights

2.1.a Advance notice of technological change

2.1.b Information and disclosure requirements

2.1.c Routine technology briefings and ongoing updates

2.2 Bargaining rights on technology changes

2.2.a Right to bargain over technology introduction and impacts

2.2.b Scope of technology negotiations

2.2.c Bargaining procedures and technology dispute resolution

2.3 Participation in technology decision-making processes

2.3.a Participation in technology design, development, and acquisition

2.3.b Participation in technology implementation and post-deployment

2.3.c Technology lifecycle participation

2.4 Union jurisdiction and work preservation

2.4.a Jurisdiction over new or modified work

2.4.b Preservation of bargaining unit work

2.5 Examples of technological change agreements

3. Employer commitments in technology implementation

3.1 Employment and economic security protections

3.1.a Job security protections

3.1.b Pay protection and severance programs

3.1.c Comprehensive technology transition agreements

3.2 Training and workforce development for technological change

3.2.a Training and retraining guarantees in technology transitions

3.2.b Access, equity, and selection criteria for training

3.2.c Training delivery and program infrastructure

3.2.d Tuition reimbursement, continuing education, and career development

3.3 Technology-related safety, health, and accommodation

3.3.a Ergonomic and physical safety protections

3.3.b Technology risk management, maintenance, and safety training

3.3.c Digital and psychological safety

3.3.d Reasonable accommodation and accessibility

4. Governance of workplace technology applications

4.1 Electronic monitoring and surveillance technologies

4.1.a Union rights and employer obligations for monitoring and surveillance

4.1.b Employee notification, disclosure, and training on monitoring technologies

4.1.c Permitted and limited uses of monitoring and surveillance technologies

4.1.d Prohibitions on surveillance technology use

4.1.e Conditions for use of electronic monitoring systems and data

4.2 Human resources and workforce management technologies

4.2.a Hiring, promotion, and evaluation technologies

4.2.b Payroll and time and attendance management systems

4.2.c Workforce scheduling systems

4.3 Work task technologies and applications

4.3.a Governance of technology integration into job functions

4.3.b Control, ownership, and protection of personal and professional autonomy

4.3.c Equity in technology access, resources, and compensation

4.3.d Job classification, performance metrics, and disciplinary safeguards

4.3.e Technology system oversight and accountability

4.4 Examples of specific types of technologies covered in contracts

5. Participation in technology governance

5.1 Collaboration purpose and scope

5.1.a Technology system research and planning

5.1.b Technological change planning and effects analysis

5.1.c Technology training and retraining program development

5.1.d Technology health and safety assessment and oversight

5.1.e Technology implementation and post-implementation evaluation

5.1.f Technology system review and oversight

5.1.g Technology system problem resolution

5.2 Structural elements of collaboration and participation

5.2.a Committee composition and representation

5.2.b Compensation and remuneration for participation

5.2.c Resource allocation

5.2.d Level of authority

5.2.e Joint committees and bargaining rights

5.2.f Living agreements for partnership structures

5.3 Operational guidelines and processes for collaboration

5.3.a Timeline to form a committee or workgroup

5.3.b Notice requirements for participation

5.3.c Information sharing

5.3.d Meeting guidelines and procedures

5.4 Skills and capabilities for collaboration

5.4.a Training for labor-management collaboration

5.4.b Dispute resolution

5.4.c Partnership evaluation

5.5 Examples of participation frameworks

6. Other workplace technology provisions

6.1 Data collection, rights, and security

6.1.a Data collection guidelines and prohibitions

6.1.b Data privacy and security

6.1.c Data rights and access

6.2 Remote work and telework

6.2.a Technology and infrastructure support

6.2.b Finanical compensation and expense coverage

6.2.c Oversight, equity, and monitoring

6.2.d Telework program terms and continuity

A key to union acronyms included in this inventory

Participation in technology governance

5.1.b Technological change planning and effects analysis

This category covers collaborative efforts to evaluate and respond to the effects of technological change on job classifications, working conditions, and organizational structures. Provisions often call for impact assessments, evaluations of potential conflicts with the collective bargaining agreement, job redesign planning, and strategies to mitigate negative consequences such as displacement or restructuring.

Discuss any research and development programs on robotics which may have effects on the workforce. (APWU-PCBA14)
Discuss impacts of technological and mechanization changes on jobs, wages, hours, and working conditions. (APWU-PCBA14)
Review creation of new job classifications, modifications to facilities, automation implementation, and new facility designs associated with technological changes. (APWU-PCBA14)
Review proposed technological changes and determine whether they conflict with any provisions of the collective bargaining agreement. (IBT-PCBA7)
Develop efficient placement methods for surplus employees to minimize the negative impact of technological changes on employees. (CWA-PCBA44)
Establish competency criteria for basic and advanced levels across specializations, set training criteria for each competency, and update competency criteria as technology changes in specific areas. (SEIU-UHW-PCBA29)
Support and proctor students through education programs and partnerships. (SEIU-UHW-PCBA29)
Identify and recommend continuing education needs for job classifications. (SEIU-UHW-PCBA29)
Exchange information about significant planned actions or changes and their impact on represented employees, while fostering collaboration to minimize negative effects on employees and enhance the Company’s growth, customer service, and competitiveness. (CWA-PCBA44)
Discuss matters involving personnel policies and practices, working conditions, employee numbers and types, and the technology used for work. (AFGE-OPM125)

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5.1.c Technology training and retraining program development

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