Robert Bruno, a professor of labor and employment relations at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, discusses the implications of AI and automation for the labor movement. As the director of the Project for Middle Class Renewal, he emphasizes the need for proactive strategies in the face of technological advancements.

Bruno highlights the significant risks posed by AI to knowledge workers, as evidenced by the strikes of the Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists in 2023. The ongoing evolution of technology threatens job security across various sectors, necessitating a collective response from organized labor.

How do you foresee organized labor dealing with the challenges that technology such as automation and artificial intelligence pose to the ordinary worker?

With the rise of AI, jobs that once required manual labor are increasingly at risk of automation. The displacement of manufacturing workers is just the beginning, as advancements in technology will affect more industries over time.

Approximately how many jobs are at risk of being automated right now?

Reports indicate that 47% of U.S. jobs could face automation within the next two decades. For every robot per thousand workers, about 5.6 jobs are lost, primarily affecting middle-class occupations where union representation is strong.

How are workers and jobs considered ‘at risk’ for replacement by automation or AI?

Workers are deemed ‘at risk’ if their roles can be easily replaced by AI or automation. In Illinois, studies suggest that between 14% to 25% of the workforce could be significantly impacted, translating to up to 1.5 million workers.

What steps are being taken to blunt the impact of such technology on workers?

The AFL-CIO has initiated the Technology Institute to address the implications of technological change. President Biden’s “Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence” exemplifies efforts to ensure that technology benefits workers rather than jeopardizing their jobs.

The rise of worker advocacy on platforms like social media has been increasingly visible. How are these digital movements influencing traditional labor organizing?

Social media empowers labor activists to amplify their messages, fostering community involvement in the fight for workers’ rights. The Starbucks Workers United campaign serves as a prime example of how digital platforms can mobilize workers effectively.

Citation: Q&A: How should the labor movement handle the challenges of AI, automation at work? (2024, August 28) retrieved 28 August 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2024-08-qa-labor-movement-ai-automation.html

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