The SPD parliamentary faction plans to hold extensive discussions this Thursday and Friday to draft significant policy decisions regarding the application of Artificial Intelligence in the workplace. The primary objective is to ensure that employees share in the benefits generated by corporate investments in AI, alongside reforming how profits are taxed.
Drawing from a position paper reported by the “Rheinische Post”, the faction proposes a significant expansion of opportunities for older workers in the age of AI. Specifically, they call for a right to continuous professional training, including provisions for time off, consultation support, and secure income during periods of further education. The challenges faced by young entrants to the workforce are also meant to be mitigated. SPD faction leader Miersch, speaking to the newspaper, stated that vocational training, early professional experience, and on-the-job learning should not be replaced by algorithms. He suggested implementing an “AI Youth Guarantee” for larger corporations.
The paper mandates that if the number of qualified entry-level positions significantly declines after an AI implementation, the company must establish paid professional entry programs, additional training spots, or similar learning opportunities. If it fails to do so, the company would be required to contribute to an industry-specific youth fund.
In terms of corporate taxation, the faction seeks to impose higher taxes on major technology conglomerates and to ensure that data center locations participate in generating revenue. This would involve changing the calculation of the trade tax. Meanwhile, the social safety net needs modernization. Since machines are increasingly taking over tasks, traditional payroll tax income could decrease, necessitating a broader funding base for the welfare state.
The SPD suggests that in the future, all working individuals and other sources of income and value creation should contribute more robustly to this solidarity-based funding. This includes revenues derived from productivity increases driven by AI, a potential AI dividend, or a greater inclusion of capital income. Nevertheless, they plan to protect small and medium-sized assets through generous tax exemptions.
Furthermore, the proposals focus on strengthening the rights of works councils and integrating them into the AI era. Public funding programs for new technologies will only be granted to companies that can demonstrate co-determination, impact assessments, and employee dialogue. The faction also proposes a state-funded AI voucher system designed to provide small and medium-sized enterprises across the board with simple and unbureaucratic access to AI tools.
The faction maintains that in sensitive institutions such as kindergartens, schools, hospitals, and care facilities, the human interaction must remain central. Clear boundaries are needed for AI deployment in these sectors. They also plan to establish unambiguous rules against surveillance and algorithmic control, reinforcing data protection through modern employment data laws. The decision-making power regarding hiring, salaries, promotions, or dismissals must remain with humans, not machines.
Miersch concluded to the “Rheinische Post” that while AI can improve jobs, the gains from progress must benefit everyone. This idea-future-proof labor and a resilient nation-was identified as the guiding principle of the parliamentary session.
