Disadvantaged workers are not all alike in attitudes towards automation

Abstract

Automated vehicle (AV) adoption is anticipated to affect millions of motor vehicle operators, including gig drivers (platform-based ride-hailing and/or delivery drivers). The multidisciplinary body of research investigating worker attitudes towards automation suggests disadvantaged workers are more likely to fear automation status. Gig drivers may have different views about automation because of the unique aspects of their work context. To contribute to multidisciplinary research about worker acceptance of automation, we analyze focus group and online survey data from a career perspective to understand gig drivers’ attitudes about job longevity with AV adoption. Study findings indicate drivers are not threatened by AV adoption because of the transitory nature of their jobs. Drivers also highlighted unique aspects of their work that cannot be replaced by AVs. This viewpoint means workers are not preparing for potential work displacement, which places them at risk for unemployment.

Keywords

• Gig work
• Autonomous vehicles
• Ride-hailing drivers
• Delivery drivers