AI Could Shake Global Jobs: ILO Warns of 52 Million Job Equivalents Lost and $3 Trillion Income Hit by 2027
The rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the global workforce, but a new warning from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) suggests the transformation could come with a heavy price. According to the agency, AI-driven changes in productivity could reduce global working hours equivalent to about 14 million full-time jobs this year and as many as 38 million next year.
The ILO further projects that labour income losses could climb as high as $3 trillion by 2027 if current trends continue. The warning was delivered during the 114th International Labour Conference, where ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo stressed that technology alone will not decide the future of work—policy and human-centered governance will play an equally critical role.
Houngbo cautioned that while AI promises productivity gains, those benefits could deepen inequality if not properly managed. He called for stronger labour protections, fair wage systems, and inclusive growth strategies to ensure workers are not left behind in the digital shift. He also emphasized the importance of collective bargaining and transparent AI governance backed by accountability and human oversight.
The report also highlighted regional vulnerabilities, noting that the Arab States and parts of Asia and the Pacific could face some of the most severe impacts. Beyond economics, Houngbo pointed to wider global instability, including geopolitical tensions and conflicts, which are already affecting workers, migrant labourers, and industries across multiple regions.
The ILO concluded that the future of work will depend on choices made today. With 187 member states represented at the conference, the organization urged governments, employers, and workers to collaborate in shaping an AI-driven economy that prioritizes social justice, protects livelihoods, and ensures that technological progress benefits everyone—not just a few.
source: The Sun