Key facts
- DATA membership grew from around 270 to over 1,350 in the past year and a half.
- Meta has cut over 1,000 roles in Ireland.
- Covalen laid off more than 700 people.
- TikTok shed around 300 Irish jobs.
- An IMF report warned Ireland's labor market is relatively more exposed to AI.
Ireland's tech sector, particularly in Dublin, is experiencing a surge in labor union activity as AI-driven layoffs increase. The Digital and Techworker Alliance (DATA), Ireland's tech union, has seen its membership grow five-fold since its founding in 2023, now exceeding 1,350 members. This growth coincides with significant job cuts at major tech firms like Meta, which has halved its Irish workforce, and subcontractors like Covalen, as well as TikTok. Workers are seeking a safety net and a voice in how AI reshapes the workplace, fearing job automation, reduced labor power, and a decline in work quality. The trend reflects a global movement among tech workers concerned about job security and working conditions post-pandemic. While AI is also creating new jobs, the volatility has led many to seek union representation for the first time. DATA is advocating for stronger legal protections, including mandatory union recognition during collective bargaining and a ban on cooling-off clauses for laid-off workers.