Ibero-American countries adopt commitments on AI in the workplace

Labour ministers and senior officials from Ibero-American countries have adopted the Avilés Declaration, establishing regional commitments for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic systems in the workplace.

The declaration was adopted during the Sixth Ibero-American Ministerial Conference on Labour in Spain. It calls for workplace AI systems to be developed and deployed in ways that protect labour rights, personal data, equal opportunities and workers from discrimination.

The declaration also addresses algorithmic management, referring to the use of automated systems to organise, monitor or make decisions about workers. The participating countries support greater transparency around these systems and the continued involvement of people in decisions that can affect workers.

The agreement calls for the development of regulatory frameworks and practical guidance for digital labour platforms, where algorithms can play a significant role in assigning tasks, evaluating performance or determining working conditions.

The commitments also recognise that the introduction of AI and other digital technologies can change the skills required in the workplace. Countries therefore agreed to strengthen institutional capacity and support training for workers affected by digitalisation.

Another element is social dialogue, meaning structured cooperation between governments, employers and workers. The declaration supports using this process to anticipate technological changes and consider their effects on employment and working conditions.

The labour ministers also approved the first Ibero-American Commitment on the Social and Solidarity Economy for 2026–2030. This separate voluntary agreement focuses on cooperation in areas including employment formalisation, care work, social protection and sustainable business models.

The Avilés Declaration provides a regional framework for addressing the impact of AI and algorithmic systems on employment, while leaving individual countries to develop and implement the relevant policies, regulations and institutional measures.