"AI Job Threat Debate" MS-US Workers Alliance

MS "AI Cannot Say It Will Not Replace Jobs"

Microsoft (MS) and American workers have formed an 'AI Alliance' to explore cooperative measures against the job threats posed by artificial intelligence (AI). Labor and management have agreed to work together to dispel concerns that AI will undermine job security and to minimize its impact moving forward.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

According to Bloomberg on the 11th (local time), MS has established a cooperative relationship with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) to discuss how AI will affect workers.

MS will provide formal education to workers on how AI operates. The goal is to prevent workers from passively losing their jobs to AI and to improve work methods. The training will begin next winter. The company also promised not to conduct anti-union campaigns against labor unions. As part of this, the agreement includes a 'neutrality' clause to make it easier to form unions within MS.

This agreement marks the first official collaboration between big tech leading AI technology and labor unions regarding AI. Amid growing concerns that AI could replace workers, this initiative aims to enable workers to proactively respond so that technological advancement and worker protection can coexist as much as possible. It is especially significant that MS, the largest shareholder of OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, and a leader in the AI market, is seeking cooperation with labor unions.

Going forward, MS will share in-depth information about AI technology trends with workers and incorporate workers' perspectives and expertise on AI technology. It will also support the establishment of public policies that aid frontline workers in developing technical skills and meeting their needs. To this end, starting next year, MS plans to hold AI education sessions over three years to enhance workers' knowledge and understanding of AI technology, as well as 'experience workshops' to explore new opportunities in the AI field. MS will also host a 'Labor Summit' where workers can participate in the AI technology adoption process.

Brad Smith, MS Vice Chairman and President, said at an event held in Washington D.C. on the same day, "I cannot sit here and say that AI will never replace jobs. I think that would be dishonest." He added, "AI is designed to eliminate some jobs that are considered difficult and simple." He emphasized, "By working directly with worker leadership, we can help ensure that AI supports workers."