Artificial intelligence is already profoundly transforming the world of work. But, according to Gilbert Houngbo, director general of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), this revolution is not affecting all workers in the same way.

“We know that most of the jobs that will be automated are occupied mainly by women,” Houngbo said. “These categories of jobs, which will be destroyed, will therefore increase the gap between men and women, which is something we need to bear in mind.”

Protection for workers

Artificial intelligence is expected to have an impact on 2.3% of jobs worldwide, or around 75m jobs, according to the ILO. “If companies can replace workers with robots, it is very likely that they will do so,” said Houngbo.

AI is likely to generate more jobs than it destroys, for now, the former Togolese prime minister pointed out--but these new jobs will often be paid less well and be less protected.

“People who write for television, people who work in call centres--all these people are extremely worried that AI will either reduce their autonomy or completely replace them,” added Christy Hoffman, general secretary of the international trade union federation Uni Global Union.

In the face of these upheavals, the need to support workers is becoming pressing. To ensure that some are not left behind, there is a need for “real support” through a system of social protection as well as ongoing training for employees, said the ILO director.

This article in French.