「ブルーカラー」に脚光　米国では“ブルーカラービリオネア”も　AIが変える稼ぎ方【news23】｜TBS NEWS DIG

Currently, the incomes of "blue-collar" workers are increasing, and in some occupations, they are even surpassing those of "white-collar" workers. The number of people considering changing jobs is also increasing, and AI may accelerate this trend. ■With the rise of AI… Layoffs at major US tech companies Humanoid robots are now appearing in every aspect of life. From hospital guidance to tourist information at train stations, AI-equipped robots are now taking on these roles. A UK recruitment firm has listed data entry, call center work, and legal clerkships as 10 jobs highly likely to be replaced by AI. University student (3rd year): "I think job hunting will also become about highlighting what AI can't do. It's a little scary to think that this will increase." --Do you not want your job to be taken by AI? New employee (sales): "The world isn't just about numbers. I want to work hard to build relationships with customers through person-to-person interaction." In fact, major US tech companies are announcing layoffs due to AI-related reasons. Amazon has announced it will cut approximately 30,000 jobs worldwide, citing the introduction of AI as a reason. Microsoft is also planning to cut approximately 9,000 employees, or 4% of its total workforce, as part of a restructuring related to AI investments. ■Attention in America! Why Blue-Collar Work is Popular "Blue-collar" refers to jobs that primarily involve on-site work, such as construction, transportation, and manufacturing. Conversely, office-based jobs, such as administrative work and system engineering, are called "white-collar." Aidan (21), who lives in Massachusetts, USA: "I like making things with my hands. There are moments when I think, 'I made this myself.'" Aidan works for a company that repairs yachts and other vessels, doing welding and other related work. He started this job three years ago. He had actually been accepted to university, but changed his career path two weeks before enrollment. Aidan (21) "I was planning to major in finance, but then I thought, 'Wait a minute.' Finance will be taken over by AI. I'm certain that within 10 years, 90% of finance jobs will be replaced by AI." Among young Americans, "blue-collar" jobs, such as skilled trades, are becoming popular. Aidan's workplace of just over 40 people has seen three young people join in just one month. Aidan's boss, Jeff "There's a huge demand for manual labor, and we're severely understaffed." Aidan (21) "I want to do this job 100% of the time. But at the same time, if you have the skills, you can go wherever you want. You can work anywhere. Compared to going to university, the biggest appeal of 'having skills' is that." "Blue-collar" jobs, which are said to be difficult for AI to replace, are being re-evaluated for their value, especially given the labor shortage. According to the American business magazine Forbes, the median annual salary for elevator and escalator technicians is approximately 16.4 million yen (converted to Japanese yen), while that of power line installation and repair workers is approximately 14.2 million yen. This phenomenon has given rise to the term "blue-collar billionaire." ■Blue-collar billionaires in Japan too!? A scaffolder aiming for a 20 million yen annual income "Blue-collar billionaires" aren't just a phenomenon in America. In Japan, too, blue-collar salaries have continued to rise since the COVID-19 pandemic. Takahide Seki (33), a scaffolder who erects scaffolding at a house in Tokyo, entered this world at the age of 16. He says his daily wage back then was around 6,000 yen... --What's your daily wage now? Scaffolder Takahide Seki "Around 23,000 to 24,000 yen" He says his daily wage has quadrupled compared to 17 years ago. Tadatoshi Hoshiyama, Representative of Scaffolding Company "saaave" "Employment is progressing steadily, but the industry as a whole is quite tough. There's a real shortage of people. We're short on manpower. To attract people, we're starting to need to offer good wages." The labor supply and demand in the construction industry is currently insufficient to meet demand, and according to a simulation by Recruit Works Institute, there is projected to be a shortage of approximately 660,000 workers by 2040. However, scaffolding, which is essential for building construction, is a "lifeline" that supports work at heights. It's a job that truly demands skilled craftsmanship, requiring the ability to assess the different building shapes and structures at each site and determine the optimal scaffolding configuration. Scaffolder Seki-san "There are always things you can't know until you try them, no matter the construction site. I think that's where human judgment is necessary. While AI might be able to help in some areas, I believe the main work still relies on human hands, so I don't think it will disappear." According to Representative Hoshiyama, who is also the representative director of the Japan Scaffo...