A report released by Senator Bernie Sanders on Monday warns that artificial intelligence and automation technologies may threaten nearly 100 million jobs in the US over the next decade. The disruption is expected to be widespread, affecting both white- and blue-collar professions. According to the report, AI and automation could replace significant percentages of workers in various industries, including 40% of registered nurses, 47% of truck drivers, 64% of accountants, 65% of teaching assistants, and 89% of fast food workers.
The report notes that the pace of change is rapid, with the potential to reshape the economy in less than a decade. This is in contrast to the agricultural and industrial revolutions, which took thousands of years and over a century, respectively. Senator Sanders, the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, has questioned the motivations behind the development of these technologies. He argues that some of the wealthiest individuals in the world, including Elon Musk, Larry Ellison, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos, are investing heavily in AI and automation, potentially to increase corporate profits and concentrate wealth.
The senator’s concerns are based on the fact that many executives have announced significant investments in automation while also implementing mass layoffs and other cost-cutting measures. Workers in manufacturing, trucking, and taxi services are expected to be particularly affected by the rapid advancement of self-driving projects. Companies like Amazon and Walmart have already eliminated tens of thousands of positions as they intensify automation. The trend raises concerns about the impact on workers, particularly those living paycheck-to-paycheck.
The development of AI and automation technologies has been championed by the Trump administration, which argues that losing the technological race to China poses a national security threat. However, Senator Sanders’ report highlights the need to consider the potential consequences of these technologies on the workforce and the economy. As the use of AI and automation continues to grow, it is essential to assess the impact on workers and industries, and to develop strategies to mitigate any negative effects. The report’s findings serve as a warning, emphasizing the need for careful consideration and planning to ensure that the benefits of these technologies are shared by all, rather than just a select few.
