Lawmaker Calls for Federal Policy to Safeguard Working Class Against AI Displacement
In an op-ed published in The New York Times, Representative Ro Khana (D-Calif.) has issued a stark warning about the potential ramifications of artificial intelligence (AI) on the working class. Representing a district that includes Silicon Valley, Khana stressed the need for federal policies that would empower workers to have a say in decisions related to AI.
While acknowledging the undeniable benefits that AI brings to the economy, Khana presented a poignant challenge: how can the dignity and economic security of working-class Americans be prioritized amidst the forthcoming changes? He argued that the Democratic Party cannot truly claim to represent the working class if it allows AI to erode their earnings and security.
To address this issue, Khana proposed that workers should not only have a voice in AI-related discussions but also be entitled to a share in company profits. Instead of being solely compensated based on hours worked, Khana suggested that workers should receive compensation aligned with profits and the overall performance of the company. This, according to Khana, is crucial for workers to fully thrive in an economy increasingly influenced by AI.
Additionally, Khana called for federal policies mandating active worker participation in decision-making processes concerning the impact of AI on jobs. Such inclusion would offer workers a say in how their jobs may change due to AI advancements.
Concerns over the displacement of workers by AI have become prominent in discussions surrounding AI regulation. While Congress has not yet taken legislative action in this area, workers in specific industries have started formulating their own rules. In October, the Writers Guild of America negotiated AI protections for its union members in their contract with Hollywood studios. Shortly after, in November, SAG-AFTRA followed suit by securing AI protections in their union contract with studios.
As the dialogue continues and proposals concerning labor and other AI impacts are considered, it remains to be seen how lawmakers will approach the regulation of AI. In the meantime, representatives like Khana are urging the implementation of federal policies that aim to safeguard the working class and ensure their active participation in decisions related to AI.
These developments highlight the growing recognition of the need to strike a balance between the benefits of AI and preserving the welfare of workers. As discussions progress, it is crucial to consider multiple perspectives, explore different approaches, and prioritize the protection and empowerment of the working class in the face of AI advancements.
