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Negotiating limits on algorithmic management in digitalised services: cases from Germany and Norway

Author

Listed:
  • Virginia Doellgast

    (Cornell University, USA)

  • Ines Wagner

    (Institute for Social Research, Norway)

  • Sean O’Brady

    (McMaster University, Canada)

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithms are increasingly used to monitor employees and to automate management decisions. In this article, we ask how worker representatives adapt traditional collective voice institutions to regulate the adoption and use of these tools in the workplace. Our findings are based on a comparative study of union and works council responses to algorithmic management in contact centres from two similar telecommunications companies in Germany and Norway. In both case studies, worker representatives mobilised collective voice institutions to protect worker privacy and discretion associated with remote monitoring and workforce management technologies. However, they relied on different sources of institutional power, connected to co-determination rights, enforcement of data protection laws, and labour cooperation structures.

Suggested Citation

  • Virginia Doellgast & Ines Wagner & Sean O’Brady, 2023. "Negotiating limits on algorithmic management in digitalised services: cases from Germany and Norway," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 29(1), pages 105-120, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:treure:v:29:y:2023:i:1:p:105-120
    DOI: 10.1177/10242589221143044
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sean O’Brady & Virginia Doellgast, 2021. "Collective Voice and Worker Well‐being: Union Influence on Performance Monitoring and Emotional Exhaustion in Call Centers," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 60(3), pages 307-337, July.
    2. Thomas Haipeter, 2020. "Digitalisation, unions and participation: the German case of ‘industry 4.0’," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 51(3), pages 242-260, May.
    3. Diane E. Bailey, 2022. "Emerging Technologies at Work: Policy Ideas to Address Negative Consequences for Work, Workers, and Society," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 75(3), pages 527-551, May.
    4. Alex J. Wood, 2021. "Algorithmic Management: Consequences for Work Organisation and Working Conditions," JRC Working Papers on Labour, Education and Technology 2021-07, Joint Research Centre.
    5. Gerhard Bosch & Jutta Schmitz-Kießler, 2020. "Shaping Industry 4.0 – an experimental approach developed by German trade unions," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 26(2), pages 189-206, May.
    6. Krzywdzinski, Martin, 2017. "Automation, skill requirements and labour-use strategies: high-wage and low-wage approaches to high-tech manufacturing in the automotive industry," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 32(3), pages 247-267.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Mathieu Dupuis & Alexis Massicotte, 2026. "Worker participation under digitalisation: Structure, power and varieties of union influence in two manufacturing sectors," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 47(1), pages 245-270, February.
    2. Valerio De Stefano & Virginia Doellgast, 2023. "Introduction to the Transfer special issue. Regulating AI at work: labour relations, automation, and algorithmic management," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 29(1), pages 9-20, February.
    3. Nathalie Greenan & Dario Guarascio & Jelena Reljic, 2025. "AI and the labour market: opening the black box," Eurasian Business Review, Springer;Eurasia Business and Economics Society, vol. 15(4), pages 925-951, December.
    4. Valerio De Stefano & Simon Taes, 2023. "Algorithmic management and collective bargaining," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 29(1), pages 21-36, February.
    5. Özkiziltan Wagenführer, Didem & Feuerstein, Patrick & Kuttler, Tobias, 2025. "Report on the Implementation of Digital Rights in the Work Environment: National Report: Germany," EconStor Open Access Book Chapters, in: The implementation of Digital Rights in the Work Environment in Selected EU Countries: The Implementation of The European Declaration on Digital Right, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics.
    6. Valeria Pulignano & Marco Hauptmeier & Dorien Frans, 2023. "Determinants of union strategies towards the twin digital and green transitions in the German and Belgian automotive industry," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 29(1), pages 121-138, February.
    7. Caroline Lloyd & Jonathan Payne, 2023. "Trade unions, digitalisation and country effects: A comparative study of banking in Norway and the UK," European Journal of Industrial Relations, , vol. 29(4), pages 325-345, December.
    8. Valeria Pulignano & Lorenzo Frangi & Yennef Vereycken & Lynford Dor & Rutherford Tod & Lander Vermeerbergen, 2026. "Trade Union Power and the Quality of Working Life Under Industry 4.0: Bargaining Outcomes in Truck and Car Components Plants," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 64(1), pages 168-181, March.
    9. ALOISI Antonio, 2025. "Integrating the EU Twin (Green and Digital) Transition? Synergies, Tensions and Pathways for the Future of Work," JRC Working Papers on Labour, Education and Technology 2025-01, Joint Research Centre.
    10. Lina Dencik & Jessica Brand & Sarah Murphy, 2024. "What do data rights do for workers? A critical analysis of trade union engagement with the datafied workplace," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 30(4), pages 455-470, November.

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