The landscape of work is undergoing a profound transformation as artificial intelligence and automation technologies continue to advance. Recent events, such as the 2023 Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists strikes, have brought to the forefront the potential risks AI poses to knowledge workers. This “Fourth Industrial Revolution” is not just a buzzword; it represents a significant shift in how we work and the skills required to remain relevant in the job market.
The impact of automation on employment is already evident. Research suggests that a staggering 47% of U.S. jobs could be automated within the next two decades. More alarmingly, for every robot introduced per thousand workers in a local economy, approximately 5.6 jobs are lost. This trend is particularly concerning for middle-class occupations, where union workers are more heavily represented, as these roles are often prime targets for automation.
Taking Illinois as a case study, the potential impact of automation becomes even more tangible. Between 14% to 25% of the state’s employed labor force—up to 1.5 million workers—are at high risk of being affected by automating technologies. Even more concerning, 237,000 to 417,000 workers in Illinois are at very high risk of seeing their jobs automated. The construction industry serves as a stark example, with approximately 49% of all tasks potentially automatable.
Labor Unions’ Response to the AI Challenge
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, labor unions are taking proactive steps to address the challenges posed by AI and automation. The AFL-CIO has formed the Technology Institute specifically to tackle issues related to technological change. This initiative aims to ensure that labor unions have a voice in how technology is developed, regulated, and deployed within companies.
At the federal level, President Biden’s Executive Order on AI represents a significant step towards establishing guardrails to ensure that technological advancements benefit workers rather than disadvantage them. This aligns with the growing recognition that workers’ perspectives must inform the approach to AI implementation.
A notable example of collaboration between labor and technology companies is the partnership between the AFL-CIO and Microsoft. This alliance allows workers’ viewpoints to directly influence Microsoft’s approach to AI development and deployment, potentially setting a precedent for future collaborations between labor organizations and tech giants.
Leveraging Technology for Labor Activism
While AI and automation pose challenges, technology also offers new avenues for labor activism. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for labor activists to spread messages about employer abuse and worker struggles to wider audiences. The Starbucks Workers United campaign serves as a prime example of how social media, particularly TikTok, can be leveraged to organize workers effectively.
The campaign’s success is evident in the viral spread of its message. A video showing thousands of Starbucks workers walking off the job accumulated more than 28 million views on TikTok alone. This digital strategy has been instrumental in organizing workers at more than 300 Starbucks stores, often in the face of corporate resistance.
As we navigate this period of rapid technological change, it’s clear that the relationship between labor and technology is complex and multifaceted. While AI and automation present significant challenges to traditional employment models, they also offer new tools and platforms for worker organization and activism. The key lies in finding a balance that harnesses the benefits of technological progress while protecting workers’ rights and livelihoods.