Back
Industrial Relations

Microsoft and ACTU sign landmark agreement on AI

Edelman Australia for Microsoft

15 January 2025
 
Microsoft Australia and ACTU sign landmark agreement to put workers’ voices and skilling at the heart of Australia’s AI transformation
Microsoft Australia and the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) today 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 fulfill vital representative functions. The full agreement is available to read here.
AI is a generational technology reshaping our society and economy at 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:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
The Hon 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. Labor 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.
Tech Council of Australia CEO Damian Kassabgi welcomed today’s announcement, saying, “This sends an important signal about cooperation between the tech sector and unions on AI transformation. Initiatives like these demonstrate how we can work together to help recognise the broader benefits of AI for Australia and ensure we make the most of the opportunities AI presents – on adoption as well as innovation.”
Today’s announcement furthers Microsoft’s global work to put workers at the centre of AI diffusion, including ongoing partnership with the AFLCIO in the United States that has shaped the delivery of high-impact skilling initiatives for American workers. It also comes as Microsoft exceeded by 30 percent its commitment to train one million Aussies and Kiwis in AI by the end of 2025 through a comprehensive set of programs for workers, business leaders and communities. 
Microsoft’s longstanding commitment to responsible use and diffusion of AI is led by its Office of Responsible AI. In Australia, this agreement with the ACTU commits the parties to consult in good faith if disputes arise and clarifies that the agreement is a statement of shared intent, ensuring open dialogue endures as technology evolves. 
Over the coming year, Microsoft Australia and the ACTU will begin joint learning sessions, establish regular worker input mechanisms, and identify priority sectors for practical pilots that demonstrate AI’s benefits for productivity, job quality, safety and inclusion.

Contact details:

Paul McKeon
Edelman
[email protected]