A new Senate report warns that artificial intelligence and automation could fundamentally reshape the American workforce, potentially replacing nearly 100 million jobs over the next ten years.
The report, compiled by the office of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), cites a ChatGPT-based model projecting that AI could displace “89% of fast food and counter workers, 64% of accountants and 47% of truck drivers” over the next decade.
These findings have raised concerns about the pace of technological adoption and its economic impact on working Americans.
Sanders framed the issue as a power struggle between workers and tech billionaires, writing in a news release that the “same handful of oligarchs who have rigged our economy for decades” are now “looking to replace human workers with what they call ‘artificial labor.’”
“If we do not act, the result could be economic devastation for working people across this country.”
This report further details how many major companies have already begun outsourcing jobs to AI. Notably, Amazon has laid off 27,000 workers since 2022 while implementing additional AI tasks, Walmart has cut 70,000 jobs over the past five years, and UnitedHealth Group has attempted to buy out over 30,000 workers while increasing its use of AI.
This report also comes shortly after a new study conducted by Indeed found that 26% of jobs posted on the site will “radically transform” due to AI, with jobs involving cognitive reasoning expected to see the biggest impact, according to CNBC.
Sanders acknowledged that AI and other technological advancements “can and should improve the lives of working people,” but said that decision-makers must continue to work for these people.
“But it will not happen if decisions are made in boardrooms by billionaires who only care about short-term profits. Congress must ensure that AI and automation benefit workers, not just corporate CEOs and Wall Street.”
In a separate op‑ed, Sanders warned that artificial intelligence could also exacerbate inequality moving forward, highlighting how the profits from this technological advancement will be used to support those in power.
“The artificial intelligence and robotics being developed by these multi‑billionaires today will allow corporate America to wipe out tens of millions of decent-paying jobs, cut labor costs and boost profits,” he wrote.
“The result? The wealthiest people in the world will get even richer, while working people lose their jobs and their income.”
While AI has the potential to reduce the number of jobs available, it can also enhance job satisfaction for those who are able to effectively implement AI into the workforce.
For example, a report by the North Carolina Department of Commerce states that job satisfaction can improve by “automating mundane tasks and enabling focus on meaningful work.”
These tasks can include customer service, stock management, and other tasks that a bot could handle.
