Walmart's executive VP discusses AI in stores, while the Acting Labor Secretary and AFL-CIO President talk about the impact of AI on workers and the responsibility of companies. They also explore worker wellbeing, the need for an AI safety net, and the concerns surrounding job security and democratic elections.
Companies at CES showcased AI-driven innovations to enhance product performance, but concerns about job displacement and automation anxiety were also evident, emphasizing the need for educational opportunities and new job creation for a smooth transition to the AI era.
Walmart aims to automate 65% of its stores by 2027, primarily targeting physically demanding tasks, while pledging to provide educational opportunities and support workers to prevent a decrease in their standard of living during the transition to AI-driven work.
Deep dives
AI's pervasive presence at CES
At CES, the pervasive theme was the prevalence of AI in various products, from makeup to desk chairs. Companies showcased AI-driven innovations that aimed to enhance product performance and customization. While enthusiasm for AI was clear, concerns about the impact on jobs and automation anxiety were also evident. The fear of job displacement due to AI and automation was highlighted, with examples from companies like Walmart, which showcased AI-powered shopping experiences while emphasizing a commitment to putting technology in service of people. The overall discussion emphasized the need for companies to provide educational opportunities, transition plans, and new job creation to ensure a smooth and equitable transition to the AI era.
The future of work at Walmart
Walmart is aiming for significant automation in its stores, with a goal of 65% automation by 2027. This automation primarily targets physically demanding tasks that often lead to high employee turnover. While AI is creating new jobs and changing some existing ones, concerns remain about job quality and ensuring a smooth transition for displaced workers. Walmart, along with other companies, pledges to provide educational opportunities and support workers during this transformative period. They aim to create new high-quality jobs and prevent a decrease in workers' standard of living during the transition.
Government and labor's role in addressing AI's impact on jobs
Government agencies like the U.S. Labor Department are seeking to address the impact of AI on jobs and ensure worker well-being. The urgency of providing an AI safety net, including job retraining programs and a transition plan, was highlighted. Union leaders emphasized the importance of job quality and warned against unrealistic expectations that retraining alone will alleviate the impact of AI. They stressed the need for good wages and benefits in the future job market. Government accountability, guardrails, and partnerships with industry were seen as crucial in shaping a future where workers share in the benefits and promise of AI.
If there’s a unifying theme to this year’s CES, it’s that artificial intelligence is everywhere. But the anxiety about what AI means for the future of work has been on display, too. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly discusses how those concerns are being addressed at the world’s largest employer with Walmart executive vice president Dan Bartlett, as well as the labor movement’s outspoken skepticism with Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.