Khanna warns AI could ‘erode’ workers’ rights, pay

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) warns of the risks the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) poses to the working class and calls for giving workers more control over AI in an op-ed published Thursday. He called for federal policy. new york times.

Khanna, who represents a district that includes Silicon Valley, said that while AI “will undoubtedly benefit” the economy, the “real challenge” is “defending the dignity and economic security of working-class Americans amidst change.” He wrote that it is important to think about how to center the Please come. ”

“The Democratic Party cannot claim to be the party of the working class if we allow AI to erode the incomes and security of the working class,” he wrote.

Khanna said that in addition to having a voice and guardrails, workers should have a share in the company's profits. He, like many chief executives, said workers should be compensated based on profits and company performance, not just hours worked.

“As AI increases America's productive capacity, this is the only way workers can fully thrive,” he wrote.

He also wrote that federal policy should require active worker participation in publicly traded companies' decisions based on how AI will change jobs.

The impact of AI on jobs and how it could displace workers has emerged as a key concern in the AI ​​regulatory debate.

So far, Congress has not taken legislative action to regulate AI. As lawmakers continue to consider proposals on labor and other impacts of AI, workers in certain industries are creating their own rules.

In October, the Writers Guild of America secured AI protections for its members as part of contract negotiations with Hollywood studios. This protection gives members power over how AI is used. SAG-AFTRA followed suit in November and secured AI protections in its union contracts with studios.