AI refers to machines designed to perform tasks similar to those traditionally carried out by human intelligence. It involves interpreting data from external sources, learning from this data, and using it in order to adapt to tasks in order to achieve specific and personalized results.
Some people doubt AI because it threatens certain jobs. Others praise it for its potential to create new professions and opportunities. AI is currently at the heart of new challenges in the world of work, raising the question of how to properly adapt its use and regulations to harness these new technologies while protecting jobs and employees.
Is AI a threat or an opportunity?
The global leader in investment banking, capital markets, and asset management, Goldman Sachs, estimates that 300 million jobs could disappear due to AI, including skilled and manual labour positions. Another McKinsey Global Institute study revealed that up to 800 million jobs worldwide could be at risk of automation by 2030. The study also found that jobs requiring basic manual and cognitive skills are most likely to be automated, as opposed to those demanding social and emotional skills. The World Economic Forum also revealed that automation could lead to the elimination of 75 million jobs by 2025, but it could also create 133 million new jobs in sectors such as AI, data analytics, and emerging technologies.
Jobs in sectors like production, manufacturing, and logistics are particularly susceptible to AI threats. Advances in robotics have led to the creation of robots capable of replacing human workers in many tasks. For example, Amazon has begun using robots to sort packages in its warehouses, resulting in the elimination of some sorting jobs. Similarly, autonomous vehicles are revolutionizing the transportation sector, potentially leading to the removal of many truck and taxi driver jobs. Some cities, like London, have already deployed robots to work as garbage collectors, while in Helsinki, an electric street sweeper, a giant vacuum cleaner named Trombia Free, has been maintaining the cleanliness of the city’s main streets since 2021.
Jobs in call centres are also threatened by AI. Chatbots, which are AI programs designed to interact with customers, have been widely used to automate certain customer service tasks. For instance, H&M uses a chatbot to help customers choose clothing based on their preferences and budget. Chatbots can quickly respond to customer requests and perform repetitive tasks, allowing companies to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
While AI threatens jobs, it also presents an endless opportunity for the global economy. According to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), AI is expected to contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, more than the current combined GDP of China and India. Over half of the economic benefits generated by AI between 2016 and 2030 are expected to come from labour productivity gains. The progress of AI will allow employees to save time and focus on higher-value tasks. Another growth factor will be the increase in consumption due to the commercialization of more personalized or higher-quality products incorporating AI technologies. Among the eight sectors analysed, the most impacted will be:
- Healthcare: Improved diagnostic assistance through data utilization and pandemic identification.
- Automotive: Smart cars and driving assistance.
- Finance: Potential for personalized financial planning, fraud detection, and anti-money laundering.
Urgent Revision Needed for Skills and Legislation:
One of the most significant challenges posed by AI is related to inequalities. As technology advances, the job market increasingly favours highly skilled individuals. Emerging and developed economies experience an increased demand for skills, whereas this demand is lower in developing countries, leading to significant disparities. Over the past two decades, automation and AI have led to the elimination of moderately skilled jobs. Workers in these positions often have few opportunities to transition to highly skilled jobs, and as a result, they frequently turn to low-skilled jobs, exacerbating inequalities. This phenomenon is likely to increase in the future.
Another challenge is related to social divisions that can further gender-based discrimination or the exacerbation of wealth inequalities. As technology advances, those with the financial resources can train in new AI technologies, while the less privileged are at risk of being marginalized by these developments.
To address the negative impacts of AI, the response can only come through ongoing employee training, regardless of their skill level. The widespread use of AI in the job market is likely to intensify the demand for analytical, problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. Workers who develop these cross-cutting skills can more easily adapt to AI-induced changes and enjoy better employment prospects.
However, continuous training requires significant financial resources and strong communication and awareness campaigns to make people aware of the necessary skills to adapt to AI or available training opportunities. Education and training systems must also be adapted to meet the new needs of the job market. To overcome these barriers, social partners and governments must work together to develop partnerships that promote ongoing training. This may include joint funding initiatives, skills-focused training programs desired by employers, and collaborations to tailor educational programs to the job market’s needs. It is essential to conduct awareness campaigns to inform workers about the skills required in the new AI-driven job market. Online resources, information sessions, workshops, and events can be organized to disseminate this information and encourage workers to train. Training should also be designed to allow workers to participate on a part-time, online, or remote basis to accommodate their professional and personal constraints.
Regarding the regulation of AI and its use, governments must establish policies and regulations that define ethical principles and safety standards for AI usage. This may include rules for privacy protection, algorithm transparency, liability for harm caused by AI systems, and the evaluation of risks and social impacts.
Governments must also ensure that the adoption of AI does not widen social and economic disparities. This involves implementing policies and programs to ensure equitable access to AI, support vulnerable populations, promote diversity and inclusion in AI development teams, and mitigate negative employment effects. Labour regulations must be updated to consider the implications of AI on working conditions.
Finally, it is important to promote the representation of workers and trade unions in discussions and decision-making processes related to AI. Mechanisms for social dialogue must be strengthened to allow workers to express their concerns, participate in AI-related decisions, and assert their rights.
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