When Workers Lose to AI: How the U.S. Government Can Soften the Blow of Automation
The U.S. must learn from the failures of past trade adjustment programs to create robust, inclusive support for workers displaced by artificial intelligence.Summary
The article examines the history of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program, arguing that its flaws provide critical lessons for addressing potential labor displacement caused by AI. While the TAA intended to help workers affected by globalization, it ultimately failed due to narrow eligibility, complex bureaucracy, and a reactive approach. The author contends that to mitigate the economic and political risks of an AI-driven economy, the government must move beyond mere income redistribution. Proposed solutions include building large-scale, inclusive support systems that prioritize speed, offer presumptive eligibility for at-risk industries, and empower workers by giving them a meaningful seat at the table through labor-management partnerships.
(Source：Foreign Affairs)