Why the Hollywood Strike Matters to Every Worker
The ongoing Hollywood strike may seem like a distant concern for many workers, but its implications stretch far beyond the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. While some famous faces on the picket lines can withstand months without work, the same cannot be said for the lesser-known actors and writers who are already struggling to make ends meet. However, the real threat lies in the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to automate and replace jobs across various industries.
It’s understandable if you don’t feel a personal connection to the struggles of Hollywood celebrities or the temporary loss of your favorite TV shows. But AI is a technological advancement that has the potential to impact almost every type of work imaginable. In fact, economists at Goldman Sachs have projected that AI technology, like Chat GPT, could potentially replace around 300 million jobs worldwide, particularly in white-collar administrative and legal sectors. Google is even testing an AI tool capable of writing news stories, further emphasizing the extent of AI’s capabilities.
What makes the AI threat all the more alarming is that it is already manifesting in the current job market. In May alone, AI contributed to the loss of around 3,900 jobs, accounting for nearly 5% of the total job losses. And this is just the beginning. It’s difficult not to feel a sense of panic when envisioning a massive labor market realignment reminiscent of the changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution and the rise of the Internet.
However, not everyone shares the same level of concern. Jeffrey Liebman, an economist and professor at Harvard, provides a more optimistic perspective. Liebman highlights the resilience of economies and their ability to adapt and create new job opportunities, arguing that history has shown significant reallocations of workers between sectors after previous technological advancements. He points out that despite dire predictions during the computer boom of the last century, the jobs were eventually there once the technology took hold.
But what kind of jobs will emerge? This is where concerns arise. Some economists fear that AI will lead to a displacement of workers into lower-paying sectors, ultimately widening societal inequalities. Additionally, displaced workers may struggle to find employment in an economy that is not rapidly growing, further exacerbating the challenges they face.
Juliet Schor, an economist and sociology professor at Boston College, shares these concerns about AI’s impact on the labor market. However, she believes that we can mitigate its worst effects by reevaluating our work practices and payment systems. Schor suggests implementing shorter working weeks and a guaranteed basic income to establish an economic safety net for those in need.
Interestingly, such measures are more likely to be accepted and implemented when workers are in a position of strength. Currently, unemployment rates are relatively low, public sentiment favors workers’ rights, and employee strikes are more prevalent. This is precisely why the Hollywood strike carries significance beyond the entertainment industry. If actors and writers can successfully navigate the challenges posed by AI and secure better conditions, it could pave the way for other workers to do the same.
In conclusion, while the Hollywood strike may initially seem inconsequential to the average worker, its implications extend far beyond the confines of the entertainment industry. The rise of AI poses a significant threat to jobs across all sectors, making it crucial to address the potential consequences it may bring. By rethinking work practices and ensuring worker protection, we can aim for a more equitable future in an increasingly AI-driven world. Only time will tell if the actions and demands of the striking Hollywood workers will set a precedent for workers’ rights and protections in the face of AI’s growth.
