In a workplace bullying case, the Fair Work Commission has issued an order banning the use of artificial intelligence tools in correspondence between the parties involved in the matter.
The FWC found a live-in caretaker was bullied at work by the committee that managed the residential property she was contracted to do upkeep on.
In the FWC’s decision, Commissioner Sarah McKinnon noted the use of AI and that it had not supported the parties involved in finding a resolution.
In my view, the correspondence was unhelpful. It appears to have been prepared with the use of an artificial intelligence tool. It is lengthy, wide-ranging, replete with generalisations, repetitive, and often couched in accusatory language.
In the accompanying order, Commissioner McKinnon wrote:
All future communication between the parties is to be accurate and respectful. There is to be no use of artificial intelligence tools in the preparation of correspondence between the parties. Parties should endeavour to keep their communications brief and to the point, and to respond as necessary to issues raised in a meaningful way.
Noting that the ban put in place by Commissioner McKinnon relates only to this case and not more generally, it is worth taking note of.
Whether you use AI when composing emails or not, it is strongly recommended that you read the result before you send it to ensure you are satisfied with its contents.
If you use an AI tool, you still bear responsibility for what you send.