AI in Hospitality: Robotic Baristas and AI Chefs Raise Concerns Among Casino Union Workers at CES – Medium

In a dazzling display of technological advancement, CES 2024 in Las Vegas showcased a new era of automation in the hospitality industry. Robot baristas, AI-powered chefs, and a myriad of other innovations took center stage, leaving both attendees and workers contemplating the future of their jobs.

The intricate artistry of pouring a latte, a skill that often takes months or years to master, was effortlessly replicated by an AI-powered barista at the event. However, amidst the marvel of such innovations, concerns echoed among workers, exemplified by Roman Alejo, a 34-year-old barista at the Sahara hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip. He expressed anxiety about the encroachment of AI into the hospitality sector, pondering the longevity of jobs in an era dominated by artificial intelligence.

The technological spectacle at CES comes just a month after the casino workers union in Las Vegas finalized new contracts for 40,000 members, concluding a contentious battle that underscored the threat of AI to union jobs. Ted Pappageorge, the Culinary Workers Unions secretary-treasurer, highlighted technology as a pivotal issue in the negotiations, emphasizing the unions commitment to safeguarding jobs against technological advancements.

Experts point out that the convergence of artificial intelligence and robotics has prompted labor unions to adopt a more strategic approach in negotiations. Bill Werner, an associate professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, noted that unions must now be more deliberate in securing job security, especially in the face of AI breakthroughs.

The Culinary Union, in its latest contract, introduced measures to address these concerns. The agreement includes a severance package of $2,000 for each year worked if a job is eliminated due to technology or AI. Workers also have the option to explore opportunities in different departments within the company.

More than 100 union members attended CES 2024 to assess emerging technologies that could potentially jeopardize casino jobs. The show floor featured a plethora of innovations, including delivery robots, robotic masseuses, autonomous barista bots, and AI-powered smart grills capable

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AI in Hospitality: Robotic Baristas and AI Chefs Raise Concerns Among Casino Union Workers at CES - Medium