FSU backs Cbus’s ‘gold standard’ AI protections

Cbus has accepted a first-of-its-kind Enterprise Agreement (EA) promising “significant protections” for its employees if or when the super fund introduces artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

Among the new provisions include a clause stipulating that Cbus must consult with its staff on any changes that occur as a result of AI implementations as well as their potential impact on staff.

The super fund has also agreed to allow for an extra five days of consultation if it is determined that an employee’s role will be impacted by AI.

The EA, “strongly endorsed” by Cbus employees and considered a first-of-its-kind for a financial services organisation in Australia, was also firmly backed by the Financial Services Union (FSU), which welcomed it as a “gold standard” for the industry.

The FSU said the new provisions were “game-changers” in ensuring employers were held accountable when incorporating AI into workplaces.

The Union also hailed the agreement on a definition of AI, which it said would “help remove some of the fear and uncertainty staff have about this new technology”.

FSU workplace representative for Cbus Caroline Troup said the clauses would “put responsibility on the organisation to make sure staff know what’s going on with AI”.

She added: “It gives us some assurances as employees that it’s not necessarily going to be used as a way to save money, and it guarantees that Cbus actually has to talk to us first if they’re looking to introduce any software that has AI in it.”

Bill Rue, FSU workplace representative and head of technology and data risk at Cbus, welcomed the enshrined consultation process for any AI implementations within the business. This, he said, would not only ensure staff understood the impact of the technology over their jobs, but also how they can benefit from any such implementation.

“[By] having that consultation, it’s like the difference between one person’s thought versus a community’s thought where you get the benefit for all. And if there are concerns, it ensures we address them early.”

He acknowledged that while the technology is constantly evolving, the new EA provisions put a framework around how these changes are managed.

“People have been hired into their roles before this technology came about, so how do we make sure our people are represented and protected in a way where they can understand how AI might impact them and where we might get benefit out of AI?

“It was about ensuring we put the protections in place to demonstrate we’ve thought about it and we’re approaching it responsibly.”

FSU National Assistant Secretary Nicole McPherson added: “At a time when workers in all industries are rightly scared about the impact of AI on their jobs, we are pleased to have secured an agreement that provides real involvement for workers on issues that affect them.

“This agreement is testament to the close collaboration we had in the lead up to bargaining with the Cbus People and Culture team. Their willingness to engage in productive conversations on the need for this clause helped lay the groundwork in bargaining.”

The EA also includes a 12.5% pay rise over three years, five days of reproductive and pathways to parenthood leave, as well as an agreement over more flexible working from home arrangements for Cbus employees.

Cbus, a $94 billion super fund catered to members of the construction industry, counts more than 690 employees as at end of 2023.