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Technology system research and planning

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 scopeTechnology system research and planning

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.a Technology system research and planning

Unions have negotiated roles in the early stages of technology development, acquisition, and strategic planning. These provisions aim to ensure that worker perspectives are integrated into defining workplace problems and needs, as well as into the development and procurement of technology systems. Activities include involvement in technology research and development, assessment of new systems, and guidance on organizational technology strategies.

Ensure union involvement in all phases of the technology acquisition lifecycle, from development to deployment, to provide operational perspectives on technological and procedural changes. (PASS-OPM36)
Conduct research and development on new technologies and production improvement methods. (IBEW-PCBA35)
Examine the expansion and costs of workplace technology and make recommendations. (AFGE-OPM113)
Make advisory recommendations to improve distance learning plans to reflect modern technology. (WTA-OLMS29)
Make recommendations about the acquisition and use of office technology. (NWSEO-OPM112)
Explore innovative strategies to leverage both traditional and emerging technologies, ensuring the company maintains excellence in services, operations, products, and technology within competitive markets. (CWA-PCBA47)
Discuss plans for introducing new technology and issues related to technology. (AFGE-OPM41)
To explore the feasibility of implementing electronic communications between the Union and the Employer, and the Employer and bargaining unit employees. (NATCA-OPM100)
Facilitate regular exchange of information and recommendations on initiatives and technologies, including hardware, software, and legacy systems. (AALJ-IFPTE-OPM6)
Assess the use of Generative AI technology and explore plans, opportunities, challenges, and strategies for its implementation and ongoing management. (ZDCG-TNG-CWA-PCBA111)
To study developments in methods and technology in the professional practice of Medical Technology. (ESC-IFPTE-PCBA86)

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5.1.b Technological change planning and effects analysis

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