The AI Anxiety and the Reawakening of Worker Power
The early 2020s saw a surge in worker activism – quiet quitting, the Great Resignation, and increased unionization efforts. However, these movements are now facing a new challenge: widespread anxiety surrounding the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of work. While tech leaders envision AI as a path to unprecedented innovation, many workers fear job displacement and increased control.
From Blue-Collar Surveillance to White-Collar Tracking
For decades, blue-collar workers have experienced algorithmic surveillance and optimization in the workplace. Now, white-collar employees are beginning to face similar concerns, questioning whether their jobs will be reduced to highly monitored tasks or replaced by AI altogether. This blurring of lines is fostering a sense of shared vulnerability across different income brackets and industries.
A Catalyst for Collective Action
Despite the anxieties, the rise of AI is also creating an opportunity for workers to push back. The shared fear of technological disruption is dissolving traditional class divisions and fostering a sense of solidarity. As Sarita Gupta, the Ford Foundation’s Vice President of US Programs, notes, even Silicon Valley software engineers are recognizing the parallels between their experiences and those of workers in industries like warehousing.
The Pandemic’s Legacy: A Shift in Power Dynamics
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of many workers and accelerated the trend towards greater worker empowerment. The pandemic prompted power shifts, with increased unionization efforts and a record number of employees quitting their jobs. Workers began negotiating for better pay and conditions, demonstrating a willingness to challenge the status quo. This momentum is now being channeled into addressing the challenges posed by AI.
The Imbalance of Power and the Need for Regulation
For decades, unions have experienced a decline in collective bargaining power, coinciding with stagnant wages and a decrease in union membership. In 2025, only 9.9% of US workers were union members, continuing a decades-long trend. The advent of AI is drawing attention to this imbalance of power, prompting calls for greater regulation and worker protections.
Beyond the Hype: A Call for Scrutiny
Tech leaders often present a utopian vision of AI, but it’s crucial to approach these claims with skepticism. Lisa Kresge, a senior researcher at the UC Berkeley Labor Center, suggests that much of the discussion around AI is intentionally designed to create mystification and disempower workers. It’s essential to critically evaluate the potential benefits and risks of AI and to advocate for policies that prioritize worker well-being.
The Choice is Ours: Shaping the Future of Work
The future of work in the age of AI is not predetermined. As Gupta emphasizes, the direction of technology is a choice. We can choose to use AI to create a surveillance economy that exploits workers, or we can use it to build an era of shared prosperity. The key is to ensure that technology is designed and governed by the people who do the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “quiet quitting”?
Quiet quitting refers to doing only the tasks within your job description and avoiding extra work, as a response to feeling undervalued or overworked.
What role did the Great Resignation play?
The Great Resignation was a period of record-high employee resignations, giving workers more leverage to demand better pay and working conditions.
Is AI definitely going to cause job losses?
While the full impact of AI on employment is still uncertain, a 2025 Pew survey found that 64% of the public thinks AI will lead to fewer jobs over the next 20 years.
What do you think? Share your thoughts on the future of work in the comments below. Explore our other articles on the changing landscape of employment and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest insights.
