Janitor warns against AI replacing essential workers

In a recent meeting, a seasoned janitor from Sunnyvale shared her experiences and concerns regarding the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the cleaning industry. With eleven years of experience, she highlighted the challenges faced by workers, particularly immigrant women, who often endure exploitation and inadequate compensation.

The janitor, a proud member of the SEIU USW union, expressed her frustration over the reliance on technology that primarily benefits large corporations. She recounted her struggles with a company-mandated app for clocking in and out, which often malfunctioned, leaving workers vulnerable and without proper pay. Despite the advancements in AI and robotics in various sectors, she emphasized that these technologies should not replace human workers but rather enhance their roles.

She called for a shift in how AI is utilized in the cleaning industry, advocating for its potential to empower janitors through programming opportunities and better job conditions. The speaker underscored the essential nature of janitorial work, especially during the pandemic when their contributions were recognized as vital. However, she lamented that the same companies that deemed them essential now seek to replace them with machines.

The janitor concluded her remarks by urging that technology should serve people, not displace them, and called for a future where workers are treated with dignity and respect. Her testimony sheds light on the ongoing struggles within the cleaning industry and the need for a more equitable approach to technological advancements.