BE wants to ban AI-driven dismissals in Portugal

Left-wing party Bloco de Esquerda (BE) wants to prevent workers in Portugal from being dismissed by artificial intelligence systems, proposing new legal safeguards as part of a broader package of labour law reforms due to be debated in parliament this week.

Among the party’s proposals is a ban on any dismissal, suspension or termination of employment contracts that is not ultimately decided by a human being, even where artificial intelligence or automated decision-making systems are used in the workplace.

The measures form part of a wider package of amendments to the Labour Code that the party says is intended to address emerging challenges created by technological change and new forms of work.

Under the proposal, workers would have the right to be informed whenever decisions affecting their employment are supported by artificial intelligence systems or automated processes.

Employees would also be entitled to receive a written and understandable explanation of any decision influenced by such systems.

The party argues that advances in artificial intelligence are increasingly affecting workplace management and employment practices, making it necessary to strengthen transparency and accountability.

Presenting the proposals in parliament today (June 15), BE coordinator José Manuel Pureza said the reforms were designed to address shortcomings in existing labour legislation and ensure workers’ rights keep pace with technological developments.

The proposals are part of a wider labour package that will be debated in parliament on Thursday and voted on Friday.

Alongside the AI measures, the party is proposing shorter working hours and higher pay for shift workers and those working at night.

The package would introduce a 35-hour working week for shift and night workers, increase night work pay by 30%, and raise compensation for shift work by between 25% and 30%.

The BE is also seeking stronger protections for outdoor workers during extreme weather events, including exemptions from working outdoors during red or orange weather warnings and periods of extreme heat.

Other proposals include extending meal allowances to all workers, reducing the standard working week to 35 hours over time and introducing a progressive transition towards a four-day working week.

The party’s sole MP, Fabian Figueiredo, challenged other parties to support the measures, arguing that the parliamentary debate would test politicians’ commitment to defending workers’ rights.

Source: LUSA

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.