Integrating AI in the French Workplace: Why Engaging with Employees is Crucial – Cyber Law Watch

On February 14, 2025, the First Instance Court of Nanterre, France, mandated a company to halt the deployment of several artificial intelligence (AI) tools until it completes proper consultations with its Works Council. The court found that the company’s claim of being in a “pilot phase” was inaccurate, as the tools were already in use by employees, constituting actual implementation. This ruling underscores the significance of respecting employee representation rights amid workplace digital transformations, signaling that premature implementation of AI tools disrupts Works Council prerogatives. The case establishes a crucial precedent in France for the consultation procedures that companies must follow before introducing new AI technologies. It also relates to the EU AI Act, which categorizes AI systems based on risk levels and outlines specific obligations for high-risk systems, including risk management, transparency, and regulatory cooperation, as well as requirements for general-purpose models related to documentation and risk evaluations.

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