FES Global 181d ago

Digital technology has contributed to a rise in precarious jobs and negative outcomes for many workers, from increased surveillance and opaque algorithmic management to the fragmentation of tasks into lower-paid work. At the same time, it has enabled remote working, greater flexibility, and productivity gains. Existing and upcoming EU legislation—including rules on worker information and consultation, the GDPR, the Platform Work Directive, and the AI Act—aims to ensure positive outcomes for workers. In late 2026, the European Commission will propose a Quality Jobs Act, likely addressing AI and algorithmic management in the workplace. While current debates emphasise deregulation to foster innovation, the key question is which rules, investments, and policies enable workers and firms to innovate together. Europe’s strength has always been combining productivity gains with fair distribution, giving workers incentives to embrace new technologies. Against this backdrop, FES Future of Work and UNI Europa jointly organised the conference “The Future of Quality Jobs and Workplace AI: Regulation for Innovation” in December 2025. In this panel discussion on the Future of Quality Jobs, key questions were addressed, including what the main takeaways from the Quality Jobs Roadmap are and whether it can serve as a first step toward fostering quality employment in Europe, driving innovation, and ensuring worker protection. Panelists: Adelina Dabu, Head of Public Affairs, Concordia Employers’ Confederation Antonio Grasso, Public Affairs Director, European Digital SME Alliance Estelle Ceulemans, S&D, Member of European Parliament Fredrik Söderqvist, Economist, Swedish Trade Union Confederation Valerio De Stefano, Professor of Law and Canada Research Chair in Innovation, Osgoode Hall Law School Moderation: Eva King, EU Representative, Vorarlberg Chamber of Labour More information: https://futureofwork.fes.de/news-list/e/the-future-of-quality-jobs-and-workplace-ai-regulation-for-innovation.html