The rapid improvement in Artificial Intelligence (AI) is touted as the next paradigm shift in technology. Some predict it will have a similar impact on society as the internet or the printing press.

A group of tech experts, led by Elon Musk, have even called for a temporary freeze on AI development to provide more time to understand it’s impact.

Currently, the most famous AI system is a chatbot called ChatGPT. Developed by a company called OpenAI, ChatGPT is free to use, and has an AI language model that was trained on a large quantities of content from a variety of sources, such as Wikipedia, books, news articles and publications.

I thought I’d test it out with some trade union related questions. First up, I asked a pretty basic question ‘What is a trade union?' The reply I got back was very impressive, with a well written 170 words that gave a good and positive summary on unions.

What is a trade union?

"A trade union, also known as a labor union or trade association, is an organization made up of workers who come together to protect their common interests and improve their working conditions. The primary purpose of a trade union is to negotiate with employers on behalf of its members to secure better wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security.

Trade unions often have the power to engage in collective bargaining, which involves negotiating a contract with an employer that governs the terms and conditions of employment. This can include issues such as wages, benefits, working hours, safety regulations, and grievance procedures.

Trade unions can also provide a range of services and support for their members, including legal advice, training and education, and representation in disputes with employers. Additionally, trade unions can engage in political lobbying and advocacy to influence government policies that affect workers' rights and interests.
Overall, trade unions play an important role in protecting and advancing the rights of workers and improving the overall quality of the workplace."

Next up, I tried to get an opinion. I asked if I should join a union. Back came 217 words on how it depends on my circumstances, outlining potential benefits, but with the caveat that it may not be worth it in some circumstances, such as working for a small business.

Should I join a trade union?

"Whether or not you should join a trade union depends on your personal circumstances and goals. Trade unions can offer numerous benefits to workers, including collective bargaining power, legal representation, and access to training and development opportunities.

If you are currently employed and feel that your employer does not provide adequate support, benefits, or compensation, joining a trade union could help you negotiate better working conditions or wages. Additionally, if you work in a sector with a history of labor disputes, a trade union can provide you with support and protection in the event of a strike or other collective action.

However, joining a trade union may not be necessary or beneficial for everyone. For example, if you work in a small business where there is already a strong relationship between management and employees, a trade union may not be necessary. Additionally, if you are self-employed or work in a freelance capacity, a trade union may not be a good fit for you.

Ultimately, the decision to join a trade union is a personal one that requires careful consideration of your own circumstances and goals. It may be helpful to research the benefits of joining a union in your industry, speak with colleagues or union representatives, and weigh the potential advantages and drawbacks before making a decision."
 

To follow this up, I asked if trade unions were a good thing. Again, the quality of the writing was impressive, but avoiding any strong opinions. The positives were highlighted but balanced with perceived downsides.

Next, I wanted to test out the accuracy of some more specific questions. I asked ChatGPT to “tell me about Paul Nowak, the General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress”. ChatGPT informed me “there has never been a General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress named Paul Nowak”. It went on to give a pretty accurate. summary of Francis O’Grady, who it thought was still General Secretary.

Tell me about Paul Nowak, the General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress

"There has never been a General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress named Paul Nowak.

As of my knowledge cutoff of September 2021 and the current date of April 2023, the current General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress is Frances O'Grady. She was elected to the position in 2013 and is the first woman to hold the role in the TUC's history. O'Grady was re-elected as General Secretary in 2016 and 2019.

Prior to her role as General Secretary, Frances O'Grady worked at the TUC in various positions, including Deputy General Secretary and Head of the TUC's Organising Academy. She has been a vocal advocate for workers' rights, and has campaigned on issues such as fair pay, employment rights, and social justice."

Next up, I asked about the Labour Research Department. The chatbot delivered a very accurate 168-word reply, picking up Labour Research as a flagship publication, the LRD’s foundation in 1912 and a complimentary summary “Overall, the Labour Research Department is an important resource for the UK labor movement, providing valuable research and analysis on a range of issues affecting workers and their representatives.”

However, I followed this up with a question about the LRD’s Lionel Fulton. This tripped it up, as the reply was that he didn’t worked for the LRD. ChatGPT went on to inform me that the current Director of the LRD was a Linda Clarke who had succeeded Doug Nicholls in 2019. It was getting the LRD mixed up with other organisations.

Tell me about the Labour Research Department

"The Labour Research Department (LRD) is a research and information service that specializes in the labor movement and employment relations in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1912 and is an independent organization that provides information, research, and analysis to trade unions, NGOs, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

The LRD produces a range of publications, including the monthly magazine Labour Research, which covers a variety of topics related to employment and labor relations in the UK. The organization also produces regular reports and briefings on issues such as pay and working conditions, workplace health and safety, and employment law.

In addition to its research and publications, the LRD provides training and education services to trade unions and other organizations. It offers workshops, seminars, and online courses on a range of topics related to employment relations and workers' rights.

Overall, the Labour Research Department is an important resource for the UK labor movement, providing valuable research and analysis on a range of issues affecting workers and their representatives."

Finally, I thought I’d try getting some employment law advice. I told ChatGPT I had been sacked despite doing nothing wrong, and enquired what I could do about it. Back came 180 words about some basic rights I had in the UK to challenge the dismissal. Interestingly, it mentioned legal advice, tribunals and and an employment lawyer, but made no mention of a trade union. 

I've been sacked from my job in the UK, but I've done nothing wrong. What can I do about it?

"If you believe that you have been unfairly dismissed from your job in the UK, there are steps you can take to challenge the decision.

The first step is to check whether you meet the eligibility criteria for making a claim for unfair dismissal. To make a claim, you must have been employed for at least two years, and your employer must not have had a fair reason for dismissing you.

If you meet these criteria, you can make a claim to an employment tribunal within three months of your dismissal. You will need to provide evidence to support your claim, so it's important to gather any relevant documentation or witness statements.

It's also worth considering whether you have any other legal claims against your employer, such as discrimination or breach of contract. You may want to seek legal advice to explore these options.

In any case, it's important to act quickly and seek professional advice as soon as possible. An experienced employment lawyer can help you assess your case and guide you through the process of making a claim."

Overall, ChatGPT produced impressive, if somewhat prosaic, answers, It’s easy to see why it’s making so many waves. However, it also made some errors that show it’s grasp of facts are limited.