Bernie Sanders Proposes 32-Hour Workweek to Combat Job Losses from Automation
Senator Bernie Sanders has proposed a 32-hour workweek with full pay to tackle potential job losses due to automation. He suggests this as a solution to the looming threat of AI and automation replacing nearly 100 million jobs in the US over the next decade.
Sanders' proposal comes as various industries are embracing automation, leading to significant job losses. For instance, 47% of truck drivers and 40% of registered nurses are predicted to lose their positions within the next decade. This trend is not new; many companies have reduced their workforce due to automation and digitalisation in recent years. In the automobile industry, giants like Volkswagen and Daimler have announced job cuts to achieve efficiency through automation. Banks such as Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank have also reduced their staff, partly due to the automation of processes. In retail, traditional stores like Karstadt and Galeria Kaufhof have seen job losses as online retailers like Amazon automate their operations. Even companies like Deutsche Telekom and DHL have resorted to automation, leading to job cuts. Sanders also proposes requiring large corporations to allow workers to elect at least 45% of their board members and increasing profit sharing to mitigate these impacts. He believes the estimated 100 million job loss figure may be an underestimate, with teaching assistants, accountants, and fast food workers also at risk.
Sanders' proposals aim to address the potential mass unemployment due to automation. His 32-hour workweek plan and increased worker representation could help distribute work more evenly and empower employees. However, the success of these proposals depends on their implementation and the broader societal response to the challenges posed by automation.
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