Microsoft Australia and the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) announced a landmark Framework Agreement to prioritise skilling and elevate workers’ voices in the design, development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) across Australian workplaces. This Australian-first agreement outlines a set of commitments that recognise the need for a strong collective worker voice during the nation’s AI transformation, and it affirms the rights and protections of workplace union delegates to fulfil vital representative functions. 

AI is a generational technology reshaping our society and economy at an extraordinary pace. With the right guardrails and engagement, it can unlock new productivity, strengthen industries and create better jobs, contributing to a $115 billion economic opportunity for Australia by the end of the decade. Today’s agreement is first-of-its-kind in Australia and builds on the Government’s National AI Plan, signalling a new chapter in responsible AI diffusion anchored in worker participation and trust.  

“Australians deserve AI that helps people thrive,” said Steven Miller, Area Vice President of Microsoft Australia and New Zealand. “This agreement signals our commitment to ensure workers’ voices are at the heart of Australia’s AI transformation and no one is left out of the national opportunity this technology presents. We’re proud to come together with the ACTU to set a new standard for responsible AI diffusion across Australian workplaces.”

Under the Framework Agreement, Microsoft Australia and the ACTU will initially work together on three core priorities:  

Sharing information and learning: Providing union leaders and workers with practical insights on AI trends and applications, including formal learning sessions led by Microsoft experts and curriculum resources. Microsoft will be working with the ACTU Institute to develop AI training specifically for union leaders and staff to ensure they have the skills and confidence to support workers through Australia’s digital transformation.   

Embedding the worker voice in technology development: Creating channels for workers to share experiences, insights and concerns so their perspectives help inform how AI systems are designed and deployed – supporting safe, fair and productive workplaces. 

Collaborating on public policy and skills: Identifying areas of mutual interest to shape responsible AI policy and expand upskilling and reskilling opportunities so workers are equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.   

Dr Andrew Charlton MP, Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, said, “The Government welcomes this positive step between the ACTU and Microsoft. When businesses and unions work together it is Australians who ultimately benefit the most. Labour will always back efforts to ensure new technology works for people, and not the other way around. Our adoption of AI should embrace the timeless principle of the fair go; the ideal that no-one should be held back or left behind on Australia’s journey.” 

The Framework Agreement builds on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) recently agreed by the Australian Services Union, Professionals Australia, the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association that sets out principles recognising the rights and protections of Microsoft’s employees in Australia.  

“We recognise our responsibility to lead by example when it comes to AI diffusion, and our aim is to be a gold-standard Australian employer,” Miller added.