Artificial intelligence kills 217 jobs in Hauts-de-Seine: an unprecedented social scandal in France!

How is AI replacing humans in a company in Courbevoie?

In Courbevoie, in the Hauts-de-Seine department, 217 out of 380 employees will lose their jobs by June 2024 at a media monitoring company. They will be replaced by software based on artificial intelligence. This is an unprecedented restructuring plan in France.

The company in question is called Onclusive and offers its clients personalized press reviews. Every day, employees search for, select, and summarize relevant press articles to meet their clients' needs. This research and data cross-referencing work will eventually be carried out by artificial intelligence software.

According to management, these profound changes were necessary to ensure the company's long-term viability in the face of competition and technological advancements. They promise faster and more reliable service thanks to AI.

What are the consequences for the laid-off employees?

The laid-off employees are in shock and denounce a human and social disaster. They feel betrayed by their employer, who trained them to use the artificial intelligence tools that will now replace them. They are also worried about their professional future, as they have little chance of finding similar jobs in the sector .

The unions have already begun negotiations with management to obtain a job protection plan (PSE) commensurate with this sudden transformation. They are demanding severance pay, support and training measures, as well as psychological support for affected employees.

The first layoffs and departures are expected in January and will continue until June 2024.

Will AI destroy all jobs in France?

AI is a threat looming over all jobs, whether simple or complex, manual or intellectual. It can replace humans in fields as diverse as finance, law, medicine, and education. According to an alarming study by McKinsey , by 2030, 60% of jobs could disappear due to automation.

But is AI truly inevitable? Can it also create opportunities for workers? Can it improve the quality of life for employees by sparing them the most arduous and monotonous tasks?

These questions are crucial for the future of work in France. We must prepare for the radical changes that AI will bring and train for the skills that will be required tomorrow. We must also ensure that AI respects the ethical and democratic principles that underpin our society.