Pekerja Mengkhawatirkan AI Akan Mengambil Pekerjaan Mereka, Berstrategi untuk Pertempuran Panjang Melawan Teknologi

The current hype surrounding artificial intelligence has rapidly spread, originating from engineers who were inspired by a 2017 research paper. Venture capitalists quickly jumped on the bandwagon, seeking to capitalize on this new trend. Government officials then rushed to implement regulations. Now, labor is taking center stage in the discussion. Over 200 trade union members and technologists gathered in Sacramento for a groundbreaking conference to address the threats AI and other technologies pose to workers. The event, titled Making Tech Work for Workers, was organized by University of California labor centers, unions, and worker advocates, drawing participants from various occupations such as dock workers, home care workers, teachers, nurses, actors, and state office workers.

During the conference, union representatives highlighted how AI poses a threat to jobs across different industries, leading to issues like physical and mental health concerns for workers. For example, Luis, an Amazon worker from California, shared his struggles with the constant surveillance and physical strain caused by AI in the workplace. While Amazon emphasized that employees are encouraged to work intentionally and take breaks, concerns remain about the impact of AI on worker well-being.

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second term, the stance on tech and worker-related issues remains uncertain. The conference participants focused on protecting workers from exploitation and discrimination caused by technology, urging workers to negotiate the use of AI in their workplaces. Unions face challenges related to automation as they negotiate new contracts, with grocery workers and nurses particularly concerned about the impact of AI tools on their work.

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Unions are leveraging AI discussions to mobilize workers and strengthen their bargaining power. While AI has the potential to improve worker health and safety, concerns about job losses and exploitation persist. Union leaders stress the importance of negotiating AI use in collective bargaining to ensure worker rights are protected.

Legislation is being developed to protect workers’ privacy and rights in the face of advancing AI technologies. California is at the forefront of these efforts, with proposed rules to inform workers about AI use and allow them to opt-out of data collection without repercussions. Despite the challenges, advocates see opportunities for workers to push back against technological threats and safeguard their rights in the workplace.