Massive job loss imminent as technology replaces human ― TUC president

The President of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Comrade Quadri Olaleye, has warned imminent job loss as technology takes over human functions at workplaces.

Speaking at a workshop with the theme: “Threat to Job Security and Work Balance in a Digitalized Environment – A Legal Perspective,” organised by Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) to mark “World Day for Decent Work 2019” in Lagos on Monday, Comrade Olaleye said, there is no doubt that technology would soon take over jobs from workers but there should be due consultation with Labour Unions and payment of severance allowance to those that would lose their job.

“In an environment enabled by technology and digital devices, job opportunities are usually affected. In Nigeria, automation is still developing but we must not pretend as if it will not get to us soon, it is here already,” he stated.

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Quadri said it is important for the unions and workers generally to come to the realization of the trend and seriously prepare for the challenges ahead.

He added that, with the advent of new technology, there is the need for workers to strike a balance between career and family, as it has become a challenge for workers because schedules are getting busier and tighter thereby posing a serious threat to personal lives and family.

He reiterated that studies have shown that employees who have a positive work-life balance do better at work. He, however, added that “promoting this balance is beneficial to both the individual and the organisation”.

In her address, the National President, of ASSBIFI, Comrade Oyinkan Olasanoye, stressed that technology has brought relative convenience and speed to job delivery, enhance customer service, improve efficiency, productivity and reduce human error, particularly in the finance sector.

She revealed that this new development, on the other hand, has changed the scope of work, where and how the work is done, who the workers work with, as jobs are now assigned outside normal working hours, weekends and holidays with an expectation of prompt delivery.

“The theme is intended to examine the impact of ICT tools, robots, automated machines and artificial intelligence on work-life balance and occupational hazards,” she said.