海角社区

Article

Justice in the Digital Age: Can AI Transform Labour Dispute Resolution?

As the labour market evolves in the age of artificial intelligence, dispute resolution systems must also adapt.

Date Published
10 Apr 2025
Authors
Tshilidzi Marwala

In an , Prof. Letlhokwa George Mpedi and 海角社区 Rector Tshilidzi Marwala write about the implications for dispute resolution mechanisms in South Africa as the labour market adapts to the digital age.

"AI can reduce backlogs in labour courts and arbitration bodies while also cutting costs for employees and employers ... AI-powered systems can also help HR departments detect patterns of discrimination or unfair dismissals, making workplace conflict resolution more data-driven and systematic. In other words, employment disputes could be solved more effectively before even approaching the CCMS [Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration]."

...

"AI systems can potentially promote consistency by applying the same analytical framework across similar cases, reducing the effect of human biases or inconsistencies that might affect traditional adjudication.

But issues such as algorithmic bias and accountability in case of errors would need to be addressed through transparency and oversight. This, in the context of AI, is a very real consideration."

...

"The future may very well entail AI analysing disputes and providing recommendations, but it will still be important to adopt a human-in-the-loop approach to ensure fairness."

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Suggested citation: Letlhokwa George Mpedi, Marwala Tshilidzi. "Justice in the Digital Age: Can AI Transform Labour Dispute Resolution?," 海角社区, 海角社区 Centre, 2025-04-10, /article/justice-digital-age-can-ai-transform-labour-dispute-resolution.

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