The utility industry may not be fully automated — yet — but it is far from immune to the sweeping influence of artificial intelligence. With the pace of technological change accelerating daily, it’s a safe bet that more and more functions in our work will be affected by AI in the years ahead. This shift will impact the global labor force, and for young workers, who have decades of working life ahead, it’s a change we cannot afford to ignore.
That’s why we must take a dual approach: prepare for AI’s challenges and harness its benefits to our advantage. The best way to secure our future in a rapidly changing world is to be one step ahead of the trend. That starts with education. Becoming AI-literate — understanding automation, robotics, and digital tools — will ensure that union workers continue to lead the way in skill, safety, and innovation.
AI is not all bad. In fact, some applications are already helping us do our jobs more safely and efficiently. Drones can inspect high lines and towers, sparing workers from dangerous climbs. Predictive maintenance systems can detect faults before equipment fails. These tools show how technology, when used responsibly, can protect lives and strengthen our industry.
But we must also be vigilant. We’ve seen some companies deploy AI not to improve productivity or safety, but to spy on and discipline employees — through cameras in vehicles, tracking software, or performance-monitoring algorithms. These practices undermine trust and erode the dignity of work. As union members, we must push back against misuse while demanding that technology serve people, not replace or control them.
Artificial intelligence is already here. The point isn’t to fear the future — it’s to be ready for it. Technology never stands still, and neither should we. The UWUA’s greatest strength has always been our members’ skill and solidarity. Together, by embracing learning, innovation, and vigilance, we will meet the challenges of AI and continue to thrive as a powerful force for working people.