AN industrial strategy needs to be drawn up to deal with the rising use of artificial intelligence (AI) on the railways, RMT declared at its Hull AGM today.

The union will now assess the AI threat in workplaces where it organises, seeking proactive collective bargaining agreements that enshrine human accountability for management decisions and seek to recruit the new types of rail workers who use AI in the transport system.

In a tightly debated motion, delegates found themselves tied 36 for and 36 against, with one abstention.  

Under the RMT constitution, union president Alex Gordon has a casting vote, which he used to pass the resolution.

Moving the motion, Sarabjit Gill of Paddington No 1 branch said that ever-increasing large data sets within AI mean that we need to assess the threat to workplaces. 

Supporting the motion, Adam Owen of Holyhead No 1 branch said: “AI enhances the data it uses to make a decision.

“So, if the data is wrong or corrupted, expect issues within the workplace where it is used.

“Please support this resolution so the union can have the tools to combat the power companies have in the digital age.”

Some delegates raised concerns about a possible need for rule changes that could affect how the union is organised.

Speaking in the debate, senior assistant general secretary Eddie Dempsey made it clear that the text was not an “enabling motion” for any organisational restructuring of branches and regions by the back door.

“There is a shift going on in the industry from the traditional industrial power in the operational grades of the railway to more digital functions,” he added.

“It is also important we understand the opportunities these types of technology present the union and use it to our advantage.”