From 13 to 17 April 2026, Ceemet participated in the Technical meeting organised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on challenges and opportunities for promoting decent work, productivity and a just transition arising from artificial intelligence in the manufacturing industry. Delphine Rudelli, Director General of Ceemet, led the employers’ delegation in discussions with workers and governments. After one week of intense negotiations, the participants reached a set of conclusions to drive the ILO’s agenda forward.
The participants agreed that manufacturing remains a major global economic driver, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. Artificial intelligence (AI), though still emerging in this sector, is expected to grow rapidly and transform how goods are designed, produced, and distributed. Indeed, AI offers strong potential to boost productivity, innovation, safety, and job quality, for example, by reducing repetitive tasks and improving workplace safety. However, these benefits depend on supportive policies, infrastructure, skills, and responsible use of AI.
The discussion also highlighted that the adoption of AI is uneven across the world. Advanced economies and large firms benefit more, while smaller businesses and developing countries face barriers such as limited infrastructure, skill shortages, financing constraints, and weak regulatory support. This situation risks widening global inequalities. AI also raises concerns about possible job displacement, potential evolution of work conditions, privacy, and the adequacy of labour protections and social security systems.
To ensure a fair transition, the text emphasises the need for supportive infrastructure, strong governance and policy frameworks (where non-existent), lifelong learning and skills development, inclusive social protection systems and proper social dialogue.
Therefore, the conclusions also recommend that governments support businesses (especially small enterprises), modernise education and training systems, put in place policies and regulatory frameworks, where they don’t exist, promote gender equality and inclusion and encourage workers’ involvement in the introduction of AI.
The International Labour Organisation is also asked to collect data, conduct research and share best practices globally.
Ultimately, no single player can make this work alone. Governments, employers, workers’ organisations, and international bodies (like the ILO) all share responsibility for ensuring AI leads to productive and fair outcomes in manufacturing.