DOL Issues Artificial Intelligence and Worker Well-being: Principles for Developers and Employers
The following Principles are considered guidelines by the DOL and apply to the development and deployment of AI systems in the workplace. They should be considered during the whole lifecycle of AI – from design to development, testing, training, deployment and use, oversight, and auditing. The Principles are applicable to all sectors and intended to be mutually reinforcing, though not all Principles will apply to the same extent in every industry or workplace. Employers are encouraged to develop their own policies and guidelines.
The Department's AI Principles for Developers and Employers include:
[North Star] Centering Worker Empowerment: Workers and their representatives, especially those from underserved communities, should be informed of and have genuine input in the design, development, testing, training, use, and oversight of AI systems for use in the workplace.
Ethically Developing AI: AI systems should be designed, developed, and trained in a way that protects workers.
Establishing AI Governance and Human Oversight: Organizations should have clear governance systems, procedures, human oversight, and evaluation processes for AI systems for use in the workplace.
Ensuring Transparency in AI Use: Employers should be transparent with workers and job seekers about the AI systems that are being used in the workplace.
Protecting Labor and Employment Rights: AI systems should not violate or undermine workers' right to organize, health and safety rights, wage and hour rights, and anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation protections.
Using AI to Enable Workers: AI systems should assist, complement, and enable workers, and improve job quality.
Supporting Workers Impacted by AI: Employers should support or upskill workers during job transitions related to AI.
Ensuring Responsible Use of Worker Data: Workers' data collected, used, or created by AI systems should be limited in scope and location, used only to support legitimate business aims, and protected and handled responsibly.
More information is available here. Artificial Intelligence and Worker Well-being: Principles and Best Practices for Developers and Employers | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)
Mary Beth Hartleb is the founder and CEO of Prism HR Consulting, offering the full spectrum of human resources support to employers across industries, including non-profit organizations. www.prismgmg.com