In a recent survey, many Australian employees think AI is already influencing their daily work lives.
Their main concerns are about automated rostering, surveillance and whether the advantages of the technology are being distributed equitably.
According to Unions NSW survey, 24% of workers said AI systems were creating their rosters and 29% of workers said AI was watching them.
More than one third or 38%, believed that the dangers of AI outweighed its advantages and 69% supported stricter regulations.
The results come as the Minns government continues to push for legislation that would include digital work systems in the state’s work related health and safety program.
After passing the lower house, the Legislative Council heard the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Digital Work Systems) Bill 2025 on Thursday.
Business associations have cautioned that employers using common software, such as scheduling and performance tools, may face uncertainty and sensitive information exposure as a result of the approach.
Bran Black, the CEO of the Business Council of Australia told 9News that the proposed access was “dangerous” considering the kind of data stored in workplace systems.
Anxiety is not unique to Australia. Four out of five workers anticipate AI will have an impact on their daily tasks, according to Randstad’s most recent work monitor report.
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Younger workers are particularly concerned about this impact and nearly half of them worry that corporations will gain more from AI than employees.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles stated that as governments balance productivity gains against disruption and the need for retraining, increased use of AI in the workplace must be negotiated with employees and unions at the federal level.
