Automation Promised to Free Us—Why Do We Work More? How PIAM Fixes It

The Broken Promise of Automation

For centuries, we’ve been told that technological progress would reduce human labor, freeing us for more leisure and meaningful work. Yet, despite industrial machines, computers, and AI-driven automation, people today work longer hours than ever. Why?

The answer is simple: Under capitalism, automation increases profits for corporations while displacing workers. Instead of redistributing the benefits of automation, companies hoard wealth at the top while forcing workers to become “more productive” or obsolete.

The Public Industry Administration Model (PIAM), part of the Equitable Future Initiative (EFI), ensures that automation benefits all workers rather than enriching a handful of corporate elites. PIAM regulates AI & automation, guarantees worker retraining, and redistributes labor equitably, so no one loses income due to technological progress.

The Historical Pattern: Technology Promised Less Work, But Created More

Each technological revolution promised to make labor easier. Instead, it only made workers more disposable while profits skyrocketed for the elite. Here’s how:

1. The Industrial Revolution (18th–19th Century)

Promise: Machines would reduce manual labor and make production efficient.
Reality: Factory owners exploited workers, creating grueling 16-hour shifts, child labor, and dangerous working conditions.

2. The Assembly Line & Fordism (20th Century)

Promise: Assembly lines would streamline work and create prosperity.
Reality: Work became repetitive, exhausting, and mentally draining. Ford’s 40-hour workweek happened only because of union pressure.

3. The Computer Revolution (1970s–1990s)

Promise: Digital tools would reduce paperwork and administrative burdens.
Reality: Instead of making work easier, computers increased productivity demands, creating constant emails, overtime, and always-on work culture.

4. AI & Automation (2020s & Beyond)

Promise: AI will handle repetitive tasks, letting humans focus on meaningful work.
Reality (under capitalism): Companies fire workers, keep AI-generated profits, and force remaining workers to take on more tasks at lower wages.

🚨 The pattern is clear: When workers don’t control automation, it is used against them.

The Solution: PIAM Prevents Automation from Destroying Jobs

PIAM ensures automation is managed democratically, reducing work hours instead of eliminating jobs.

How PIAM Prevents Job Loss & Economic Disruption

PIAM ensures that automation works for workers, not against them, by following these key principles:

✅ Worker-Led AI Regulation – AI cannot be introduced without union approval.
✅ Mandatory Job Retraining – Workers displaced by automation must be retrained and reassigned.
✅ Work Redistribution Instead of Layoffs – Instead of firing workers, automation leads to shorter workweeks with the same pay.
✅ Automation Profits Fund Worker Benefits & UBI – Increased productivity must benefit everyone, not just executives.

Example: The Factory Automation Scenario

How Automation Works in Today’s Corporate System:

• A company automates 50% of factory jobs, fires half its workforce, and profits skyrocket for executives.

• The remaining workers pick up extra shifts or face lower wages and job precarity.

• The public sees no benefit, only rising unemployment and economic instability.

How Automation Works Under PIAM:

• Instead of layoffs, the workweek is shortened for everyone while keeping full wages.

• Automation profits go toward retraining programs, public services, and Universal Basic Income (UBI).

• Productivity gains benefit society, not just corporations.

🚨 Key Takeaway: Under PIAM, automation works for people, not profit.

The Role of Unions in AI Oversight

How does PIAM actually enforce these policies?

✅ Industry Unions regulate automation implementation, ensuring fair employment transitions.
✅ Regional Labor Councils manage displaced workers and guarantee retraining programs.
✅ The Council of Commons sets long-term AI & automation policies to maintain employment stability.

💡 Example: A healthcare AI can recommend diagnoses, but cannot replace doctors or nurses without union oversight and guaranteed retraining programs.

The Future of Work Under EFI: Work Less, Live More

Automation doesn’t have to be a threat if it’s managed democratically. Under PIAM:

✅ AI replaces drudgery, not livelihoods.
✅ The workweek shrinks while wages remain stable.
✅ Universal Basic Income (UBI) ensures economic security for all.

📢 EFI’s vision: A 15-hour workweek, full employment, and meaningful, flexible careers.

🚨 Technology should set us free—not chain us to more work. PIAM ensures that promise is kept.

Take Back Control of Automation

• History proves that corporations use automation to exploit, not liberate.

• PIAM ensures AI benefits all of society—not just executives and billionaires.

• Do you think AI and automation should be regulated to benefit workers? Comment below!

🚀 Join the conversation and help shape the future of work.