EVIDENCE FROM THE FIELD: HOW NEW TECHNOLOGY IS BEING USED IN LABOR ARBITRATION
With the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and virtual hearings, alternative dispute resolution advocates and neutrals have experienced substantive changes in conducting labor arbitrations. Previous research anchored arbitrators’ opinions on virtual hearings in 2021, revealing an extremely high use of the newer technology. Since then, the advent of artificial intelligence and the maturation of virtual hearings have changed arbitrators’ views. Through over two dozen interviews of labor arbitrators and advocates, this research presents new evidence on what both neutrals and advocates think about AI and virtual hearings. These interviews revealed no consensus of thought on either technology but revealed a myriad of opinions across role, sector, location, and other categories. Additionally, these interviews uncovered the need for a new starting point for more of these conversations. They indicate that a unified, baseline education campaign on these technologies is necessary to uphold the ethical responsibilities of those in the field.