On March 4, a meeting took place between representatives of the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation (LPSK) and the Minister of Economy and Innovation of the Republic of Lithuania, Edvinas Grikšas, together with his advisor Benediktas Girdvainis. A broad range of issues was discussed, including the development of artificial intelligence (AI), industrial competitiveness, and employees’ preparedness for  technological changes.

The discussion covered activities related to the AI regulatory “sandbox,” the implementation of the Artificial Intelligence Act, plans to establish a Lithuanian Artificial Intelligence Centre, and the direction of other related initiatives. Technological investments and ongoing practical projects were also reviewed.

Significant attention was devoted to workers’ issues: strengthening the skills of industrial employees, integrating high-tech students into the labour market, and prospects for attracting highly qualified professionals. The modernization of the public sector and increasing productivity in the industrial sector were also addressed.

The upcoming Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union was discussed as well, highlighting the opportunity to raise issues important to workers, industry, and responsible AI development at the European level during the Presidency.

The trade union representatives emphasized that technological progress must go hand in hand with the protection of workers’ rights, social dialogue, and responsible change management.

It was agreed to continue cooperation between the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation and the Ministry’s representatives on the development of Lithuania’s AI guidelines and their integration into the National Digital Development Agenda.

Workers were represented at the meeting by the LPSK Acting President Dalia Jakutavičė, Vice President of the Lithuanian Industrial Trade Union Federation and member of the European Economic and Social Committee, Jurga Subačiūtė-Žemaitienė, member of the Journalists’ Union Bernardas Šatkovskis and LPSK Public Relations Representative Jūratė Čilinskaitė.