Suche
Mein Konto
Chamber of Labor in the AI dispute: Innovation or socialism?
The Chamber of Labor is calling for higher taxes on AI, while new EU requirements for training in companies have been in effect since February 2025.
Chamber of Labor in the AI dispute: Innovation or socialism?
The discussion about artificial intelligence (AI) in Austria is gaining momentum! The Chamber of Labor (AK) has spoken out with a demand that is causing a lot of excitement: higher taxes for companies that rely on AI. Alexander Surowiec, FW candidate for commercial service providers, sharply criticizes this approach and describes it as “sheer madness”. He is of the opinion that the AK is punishing technological progress in the country instead of promoting it. “While the world is investing in AI to create jobs and make the economy future-proof, the AK is clinging to its socialist redistribution fantasy,” said Surowiec. The exchange of experts at the World Government Summit in Dubai next week makes it clear that innovative solutions are already being developed abroad, while the AK remains firm in its convictions.
New AI regulations and training resolutions
On February 2nd, the EU AI regulation came into force, requiring companies to train their employees in using AI. This change could be seen as the key to improving competitiveness in Austria. Ines Stilling, AK social sector manager, emphasizes how important it is to strengthen the skills of employees. “Promoting AI skills is crucial to equip Austria’s companies and employees for the digital future,” she explains. In order to promote innovative strength in the country, targeted training programs and control of the regulation by the future federal government are needed. This is the only way to effectively utilize the opportunities that AI offers.
The future government therefore faces the challenge of creating clear framework conditions. This not only includes supporting training measures, but also monitoring compliance with ethical and social standards to ensure the responsible use of AI technologies in Austria. It remains to be seen how the political framework will develop and whether these new rules can bring the hoped-for boost to innovation boerse-express.com reported.
In the midst of these developments, the pressure on the AK to find contemporary solutions is high. In Surowiec's opinion, now might be high time for the AK to focus on real solutions rather than clinging to outdated ideals. “The ball is now in the court of the future federal government – it must create the necessary framework conditions,” he summarizes.