Workplace Datafication that Serves the Workers

In this response to Nyman et al. (2024), I argue that workplace datafication is an important topic where trade unions can be a central actor. Not just “bossware” made for surveillance of workers, but also ordinary information systems generate data, which it is important that are used responsibly. While I think trade unions can draw inspiration from the Scandinavian tradition, I also argue that we need to adjust the frames and vocabulary. While the conflict between labour and capital is still present, there are also a broader set of tensions between human welfare agendas and what we may call “techno-rational” or “techno-economic” agendas. I end with recommending that researchers seek to collaborate with trade unions on data-driven labour organizing to build awareness on both the potential for misuse of data as well as for ‘data innovations’ that can support them in their work.