A recent survey conducted by the GMB union revealed that nearly half of employees are concerned about losing their jobs to artificial intelligence (AI). Among the 5,000 union members surveyed, almost 30% reported that their employers had already implemented AI, with a quarter stating that the technology was performing tasks traditionally done by humans. Additionally, close to half of the respondents mentioned that AI was being used to monitor their activities or those of their colleagues.
There is a growing trend of technology displacing workers, as evidenced by Asda’s announcement of potential job cuts due to increased automation in their warehouse operations. Similarly, Nestle is considering cutting 450 jobs, partly attributed to the expanded use of AI in functions like human resources.
Last week, Amazon introduced a sophisticated robot designed to operate in various areas of its warehouses, showcasing the advancement of AI technology in the workplace. These developments have raised concerns among workers, such as Nestle employee Robert Battell, who expressed dismay over colleagues losing jobs to robots.
While acknowledging the potential benefits of AI in improving work processes, Battell emphasized the importance of implementing protective laws to safeguard workers from potential misuse of AI by employers. He stressed the need for government intervention to ensure job protection, retraining opportunities, and fair treatment for workers affected by technological advancements.
The GMB Congress also discussed the looming threat to taxi drivers in the UK with the anticipated arrival of driverless taxis. Waymo, a US company, has started testing autonomous vehicles in London, aiming to launch driverless rides pending regulatory approvals. The GMB is advocating for legislation to shield taxi and private hire drivers from job losses resulting from the deployment of autonomous vehicles.
Ali Haydor, a Private Hire Driver and GMB Congress Delegate, voiced concerns about the impact of automation on employment and warned against overlooking the risks faced by workers in the face of technological progress. He called for a fair distribution of benefits and risks associated with technological advancements in the transportation industry.