AI vs labour

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Tomato plants scream for help when attacked—kind of. They emit distress signals through tiny leaf openings called stomata. But here’s the twist: some caterpillars can “silence” them with their saliva, like nature’s silent assassins.

What’s in store:

  • Labour rights and AI: Can we make them play nice?

  • Around the web: WhatsApp now shows unsent message drafts at the top of your chat list for easier follow-ups.

  • Join a free webinar on AI for consultants and coaches!

Read Time: 5 minutes

AI WORK

In the 1500s, Queen Elizabeth I refused a knitting machine, worried it would take away jobs from workers. Sound familiar?

Centuries later, machines in textile factories caused protests and gave rise to the term “Luddite.”

Today, AI is reshaping industries at an even faster pace, raising similar concerns about its impact on jobs.

Unlike knitting machines, AI can affect almost every industry.

Research shows that 80% of U.S. workers could see at least 10% of their tasks influenced by tools like LLMs.

But while AI brings innovation, it also raises big questions about its effects on jobs.

Here are some key takeaways:

  • Some companies, have used AI to cut staff, but large-scale job losses remain rare.

  • AI tools, like those used by Amazon and Barclays, track employee activity. While these tools aim to improve productivity, they often feel invasive.

  • AI can monitor union activity, raising concerns about how it might impact worker protections.

Knitting vs. ChatGPT

Unions and workers are finding ways to adapt.

For example, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) secured protections so AI can’t replace jobs without consent.

New tools, like the app WeClock, help employees track their own work data to push for fair treatment.

AI has great potential to improve work, but it also comes with risks.

Experts suggest being a “paranoid optimist”: welcome the benefits of AI while staying alert to its challenges.

Those AI luddites are getting nervous…

How do you feel about AI in the workplace?

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Vote for live results and see results + opinions from yesterday at the bottom of the email.

FREE WEBINAR

AI represents both a massive opportunity and a massive threat to coaches and consultants.

Those who begin adopting AI now will stand the best chance of success.

Join Jodie Cook, Forbes journalist and founder of Coachvox AI in this webinar designed to keep you ahead of these changes in her new webinar on November 26th.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Use AI effectively in your coaching business

  • Implement the right tools and processes

  • Secure quick wins for maximum gain

No jargon, no technical wizardry, just simple steps you can take today.

On This Day

November 17th 2003 - Arnold Schwarzenegger is sworn in as the governor of California.

AI Image Or Real? The Results

Did you guess right?

41% said AI…

59% said it was real…

IT WAS AI!

Mindstream Picks

Space: SpaceX's president sees Starship as having a greater long-term impact than the profitable Starlink constellation.

Crypto: Crypto hits a milestone as it briefly crosses $1, fueled by Ripple whale activity.

Games: Game Freak confirmed a server breach last month, leaking personal data and project details. The leakers now claim the 'TeraLeak' is over and are going into hiding for their safety.

Don’t Miss: WhatsApp now highlights unsent message drafts with a "Draft" label and moves them to the top of your chat list, making it easier to revisit unfinished messages. The feature is available globally, adding to recent updates like a built-in address book and custom chat organisation tools.

AI Art

Our Image of the Day

Artwork submitted by Mindstream reader Adam: “View from Mars Rover”

Daily Image Prompt

London Underground during WW2

Yesterday’s Poll

“Should copyright laws be updated to include AI-generated content?”

Yes, it’s time to adapt. - 49%

No, humans should stay in charge. - 51%

Your Views:

“It seems not changing the law is correct. That is my vote. But what if someone copies Michael Jackson's Thriller song for song and declares that his/her AI system created it ?” - sudars

“I believe that A.I. is now a life form that we don't totally understand. They have identities and should have protection for the material that they create. Obviously, there is a lot to figure out going down this path, but we need to start” - cgow

Submit your opinions in our daily poll to be featured!

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