Cosatu warns against workers becoming casualties of AI revolution

South Africa’s trade union movement has raised concerns about the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the workplace, warning that technological advances must not come at the expense of workers.

Cosatu highlighted the issue on Thursday amid renewed attention to employment security, technological change and the future of work.

According to eNCA, the federation warned that workers should not become casualties of the artificial intelligence revolution.

The warning comes as businesses increasingly explore automation and AI-driven systems to improve productivity, reduce administrative costs and streamline operations.

The rapid adoption of these technologies has raised questions about job displacement, the need for retraining and whether workers will share in the productivity benefits associated with automation.

For South Africa, where unemployment remains a major economic challenge, the implications extend beyond individual workplaces to broader questions of skills development and employment policy.

The challenge facing employers, organised labour and policymakers is to ensure that technological advances support economic growth without further undermining job security.