Nearly 40 percent of skilled professionals in Germany are considering switching jobs because of concerns over artificial intelligence, according to a survey of 2,500 workers. Among Generation Z, more than half are contemplating a career change. The study found that 41 percent worry their roles will become redundant through automation.
The anxiety has tangible consequences. Mental disorders accounted for 16.7 percent of all sick days in 2024 and drove 42 percent of disability pensions. Experts are advocating a “human-in-the-loop” approach, where people retain final decision-making authority over AI systems.
Union report warns digital transformation at risk
A new analysis by UNI Europa warns that without strong involvement of works councils and staff councils, the digital transformation could fail. The report notes that generative AI could generate 180 to 306 billion euros in added value for the European banking sector alone. But the authors insist that this potential must be tied to social dialogue and collective bargaining. The biggest obstacle, they say, is the skills gap among workforces.
Germany’s existing works constitution act (Betriebsverfassungsgesetz, §87) and federal staff representation act already give employee representatives clear co-determination rights when AI systems are introduced. Works councils must be consulted before deploying tools such as chatbot application pre-screening. Electronic monitoring remains tightly restricted: private use of work software like Slack may only be checked when there is concrete suspicion, and covert continuous surveillance is strictly prohibited.
New EU transparency rules tighten further
From 2 August 2026, the EU’s AI Act will impose stricter transparency obligations on employers. Emerging technologies such as deepfakes and digital twins — already used by 48 percent of industrial companies — create additional challenges. Misused deepfakes can even justify summary dismissal.
In North Rhine-Westphalia, the digitalisation ministry published a guideline in February 2026 setting boundaries: AI may be used for drafting texts and summaries, but social scoring and automated performance monitoring remain banned.
Industry examples: MAN praised, Volkswagen criticised
At MAN, the group works council won an award for an AI agreement considered exemplary in handling digital stress. At Volkswagen, however, labour representatives at a works meeting in Baunatal sharply criticised management communication as inadequate, especially given the planned job cuts through 2030.
High-level conference planned
On 26 June 2026, the NRW labour ministry is hosting a symposium at Messe Essen. Labour minister Karl-Josef Laumann will discuss with experts how AI can drive better working conditions. Unions such as ver.di are demanding stronger involvement in state transformation councils, aiming to modernise the public sector without massive staff reductions. A follow-up event on AI in local government is scheduled for 14 September 2026.
