Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Claim
5. The Agreement will include provisions to protect staff against any adverse effects of artificial intelligence systems in the workplace.
Clause
An "AI System" means any machine-based system that could be described as artificial intelligence. It includes any system that learns patterns from data, and which can perform tasks and make predictions, recommendations, decisions and generate content, including written or visual material, based on patterns or algorithmic methods.
Proposals for new AI systems or proposed variations to existing systems will only proceed to the co-design phase upon agreement of the JCC that the proposal is consistent with the terms of this Agreement.
The University will co-design the usage of AI systems in collaboration with employees who perform work relevant to the proposed AI usage. For the purposes of this clause co-design means employees currently performing work that is the focus/target of a proposed AI system are active and equal partners in system design through a process of collaborative decision-making designed to produce outcomes that are relevant and effective.
The University will provide at least three (3) months' written notice of the proposed introduction or review of any AI system, during which the collaborative co-design process will occur prior to implementation of the change management provisions.
The University values human expertise and will not use AI to the detriment of fair, meaningful and secure employment. AI systems may be used to augment the work of an employee but will not be used to replace the work of an employee.
The University will provide transparent, detailed and readily available information to employees and unions about all AI system usage including but not limited to when and which AI systems are used, where AI is being used, the parameters and rules of AI use, and the instructions on which AI systems are based.
All decisions that impact employees and their working conditions, including but not limited to recruitment, major change, performance, promotion or disciplinary matters, will be made by humans and AI is not to be used as a supplementary tool in reaching these decisions.
All AI systems must be subject to meaningful human oversight to ensure accountability, safety and alignment with human values.
The University will actively protect and maintain the moral rights of employees and will not permit any work of an employee to be used without attribution and written consent.
The use of AI systems carries an inherent risk of potential adverse impact to the cultural heritage, language, and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees. The University will not use AI systems which may result in such adverse impacts, or the appropriation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture or artifacts.
Presented on 8/4/26
Management Response
The bargaining team presented this claim in the Bargaining meeting on 8/4/26 and management responded that it would significantly restrain the work of the university. One alarming quote from management was “biases can be trained out of AI”. Management were of the opinion that this would restrict staff in a way that they could not use AI tools. The bargaining team challenged this and tried to explain that this this clause would have that effect.
In subsequent meetings the AI claim has been mentioned in passing by management, and management have continued to make their claim, repeatedly stating that this clause would stop UQ staff from being able to use AI tools. The bargaining has continued to challenge these misrepresentations.