site.btaExperts Discuss Role of AI in Workflow Process

Experts discussed how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can impact workflow during Tuesday's conference of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria dedicated to the Confederation's 35th anniversary.

Ivailo Kalfin, Executive Director of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, said that a distinction must be made between the use of different elements of AI and its introduction in the workplace. He noted that AI is more common in Western and Northern Europe, as well as in high-income regions.

Jobs most affected by AI are those held by highly skilled workers, those working from home, women and seniors with more experience, Kalfin reported. He said AI creates challenges for older workers who struggle to adapt to the new technology. Kalfin pointed out that workers need to show willingness, while employers should present opportunities to learn and keep up with AI developments. Overall, the use of AI has had a positive effect, Kalfin said.

Podkrepa Labour Confederation President Dimitar Manolov said the question is how far AI will go and whether it will replace humans. He said that it is the employees and workers' responsibility to seek a place in the process of AI development.

Denitsa Sacheva, the Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Labour and Social Policy, said that the factors that will have the greatest impact in terms of the labour market are related to the high-risk aspects of AI. She pointed to healthcare as an example. Sacheva called on the Social Ministry to focus efforts on creating relevant legislation in line with the European AI Act and the European Commission's platform economy directive.

The head of the Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association Vasil Velev said that it is important to develop curricula, modules and trainings that meet the new realities of the labour market. He reported that 78% of employers experience a shortage of staff with the necessary skills such as being able to analyze data, conduct digital marketing, etc. Velev said clerical jobs will be affected by AI, but craft jobs will be much less affected. He expressed support for more training in mathematics, including a compulsory maturity exam.

Minister of Education and Science Krasimir Valchev agreed that mathematics will become even more important in the era of AI.

Another topic discussed by the forum was how green and digital transformation will affect employment and working conditions. The topic of labour rights and social protection also came up.