Employment and Social Affairs MEPs have agreed on a series of recommendations for a new EU bill to ensure the transparent, fair, and safe use of automated monitoring and decision-making systems used to take or support decisions in the workplace. While stressing that the use of algorithmic management (AM) systems can provide opportunities for work optimisation, they want these technologies to be overseen by humans, and emphasise the importance of transparency and the protection of fundamental rights and personal data.

The request for a legislative initiative was adopted by 41 votes in favour and 6 votes against, with 4 abstentions.

Humans in control

There must be human oversight for all decisions taken or supported by AM systems under the new law, according to MEPs. Workers should be able to request explanations on decisions taken or supported by algorithmic management. Final decisions on the initiation or termination of employment, the renewal or non-renewal of a contract, changes in…