GSG 26-26 Workers’ AI Counter Summit
04/September/2026
Description
I am pleased to advise you of a Workers’ AI Counter Summit which takes place on the 10th and 11th October 2026 in CWU Head Office, hosted at the initiation of the CWU’s Digital and Techworker Alliance (DATA) Branch.
This important event is being held in contrast to the International AI Summit hosted by the Irish Government on 16th October to discuss the future of artificial intelligence, but which does not include any worker representatives.
The discussion around artificial intelligence often leaves out the perspective and voice of workers and the DATA Branch wants to give our members, and indeed members of the public, the opportunity to discuss their experiences, concerns and issues.
AI is being introduced not only into workplaces but into everyday life, and decisions about the integration and use of this technology should not solely be left to political leaders and technology companies. Workers are entitled to have a voice in these discussions that will shape the future of AI.
This is why CWU DATA Branch is hosting the Workers’ AI Counter Summit with the event tagline of “Workers Against Slopaganda”. The purpose of this event is not to oppose technology and its integration into the workplace but to host a space where those who are working with and are affected by AI have a space to discuss, debate and be heard.
Some of the questions the summit hopes to explore include:
How is AI changing work in practice?
Who decides how these technologies are introduced into our workplaces?
What role should collective bargaining play in technological change?
What would democratic governance of AI look like?
What kinds of technology do workers and communities actually want?
How are people already organising around these issues?
You can help shape the agenda for this event – we welcome contributions of talks, workshops, art, music, poetry and film. We encourage members to email your proposal for a contribution to etech@cwu.ie. The deadline for contributions has now been extended to 15th September. The agenda and speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.
You can register to attend the Summit here.
We look forward to seeing you there.