URGENT UPDATE: Amazon is set to automate up to 600,000 jobs in the U.S. by 2033, according to The New York Times. The e-commerce titan’s internal strategy documents reveal that automation could help the company avoid hiring over 160,000 workers by 2027, allowing Amazon to save approximately 30 cents on every item it processes.
This dramatic shift towards robotics could lead to a future where robots outnumber humans in Amazon warehouses. The leaked documents suggest that Amazon’s robotics team aims to automate a staggering 75% of its operations, a goal that raises significant concerns about job security for American workers.
Amazon has already deployed its 1 millionth robot across its facilities, marking a milestone in its automation journey. CEO Andy Jassy has indicated that advancements in technology, including AI, are expected to reduce the company’s “total corporate workforce” through efficiency gains.
In response to these revelations, Kelly Nantel, an Amazon spokesperson, stated that the leaked materials present an “incomplete” view of the company’s hiring strategy. “These materials reflect the perspective of just one team and don’t represent our overall hiring strategy,” Nantel said. She emphasized that Amazon has created more jobs in the U.S. over the past decade than any other company and recently announced plans to hire 250,000 workers for the upcoming holiday season.
However, the implications of this automation push have caught the attention of lawmakers. Senator Bernie Sanders voiced his concerns on X, warning that “Big Tech oligarchs are coming for your job.” Earlier this month, Sanders highlighted research suggesting that nearly 100 million jobs could be lost to AI and automation over the next decade.
While some studies indicate that the so-called AI job apocalypse has not yet materialized, with recent findings from Yale University and the Brookings Institution showing minimal impact on employment since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, the urgency of Amazon’s plans cannot be understated.
As this situation develops, the potential backlash against Amazon’s automation strategy is likely to escalate. The company is reportedly preparing public relations efforts to soften its image as it navigates the complex implications of replacing human workers with robots.
What’s Next: As the automation trend at Amazon unfolds, stakeholders from workers to policymakers will be closely monitoring the company’s next moves. The debate over the balance between technological advancement and job preservation is likely to intensify, making this a critical issue for the future of work in America.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as it impacts workers and the broader economy.
