Empowering Workers in the Age of Automation: Labour Union's Response to the Rise of Artificial Intelligence

Bhupinder Singh, Christian Kaunert, Manmeet Kaur Kaur Arora, Sahil Lal

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Over the past several years, automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have advanced rapidly and begun to drive changes in the way that people work. It discusses the heterogeneous influence of these technologies on jobs and stresses that labour unions and education will remain crucial for empowering workers. It starts with the historical background of unions and technological change, focusing on how unions have adapted to protect workers in the shifting industrial context. Next, the authors discuss today's union tactics like bargaining over tech, lobbying in Washington for job-retraining programs and forming partnerships with community colleges to solve skill shortages. This chapter argues that only through pro-active engagement by workers, employers and governments can it hope to ensure equitable outcomes from technological change. Promoting a mindset of lifelong learning and partnership will ultimately be essential for building an adaptable workforce that can succeed in a world with ever-growing technology.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe New Role of Labor Unions in the AI Era
EditorsAndrés J. Arenas Falótico, Jessica Bayón Pérez
PublisherIGI Global
Pages369-384
Number of pages16
ISBN (Electronic)9798369380512
ISBN (Print)9798369380499 , 9798369380505
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 11 Apr 2025

Publication series

NameAdvances in Computational Intelligence and Robotics
PublisherIGI Global
ISSN (Print)2327-0411

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