Robots and artificial intelligence (AI) were the talk of the town at the annual CES technology trade show in Las Vegas this week, with various innovative machines showcased on the show floor. Among them was an AI-powered barista that could create intricate latte art with ease. While this technological advancement impressed many, it also raised concerns about the future of hospitality jobs. Roman Alejo, a 34-year-old barista at the Sahara hotel-casino, expressed his fear that AI could replace human workers. He said, "A lot of AI is coming into this world. It is very scary and very eye-opening to see how humans can think of replacing other humans."

These concerns were not unfounded, as just over a month ago, the casino workers union in Las Vegas ratified new contracts for its 40,000 members, ending a highly publicized battle that shed light on the threat of AI to union jobs. Technology was one of the last issues to be resolved during the negotiations, highlighting its significance. The Culinary Workers Union's secretary-treasurer, Ted Pappageorge, who led the negotiation teams, stated that robotics in the hospitality and service industry had been on the union's radar for years. However, the combination of AI and robotics has forced labor unions to rethink their negotiation strategies for job security.

Bill Werner, an associate professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, explained that unions now have to be more deliberate in their negotiations. The types of casino union jobs that could be at risk in five years, when the Culinary Union's contract ends, might look drastically different. The question of what would happen to these workers and their rights if they lose their jobs to robots becomes increasingly relevant. In the latest contract, the union secured a safety net for workers, including $2,000 in severance pay for each year worked if a job is eliminated by technology or AI, as well as the opportunity to transfer to a different department within the company.

The CES trade show provided an opportunity for over 100 union members to explore emerging technologies that could potentially put more casino jobs at risk. The show floor was filled with new inventions, such as friendly-faced robots for deliveries, robotic masseuses, and bots capable of preparing and serving various food and beverages. There were even AI-powered smart grills and chef-like robots teasing the concept of "autonomous restaurants." Meng Wang, co-founder of food tech startup Artly Coffee, emphasized that their autonomous barista bots were not designed to replace jobs but rather to fill a labor shortage in the service industry.

However, experts like Werner believe that AI poses a genuine threat to casino union jobs that do not require face-to-face interaction with customers, such as housekeeping and food preparation. He explained that when the industry doesn't have to worry about the impact on customer service, the risk of automation decreases significantly. This is particularly relevant for a tourist destination like the Las Vegas Strip, where exceptional service is expected. Werner suggested that Las Vegas is an ideal place to test these technologies and gauge customer reactions.

While the Culinary Union and its members acknowledge the ever-evolving nature of the hospitality industry, Alejo, the barista, expressed his concern that everything seems to revolve around technology in today's world. The innovations showcased at CES were undoubtedly impressive, but the fear of job displacement remains prevalent. As AI continues to advance, labor unions and workers alike must adapt and negotiate for stronger job protection to ensure their livelihoods in an increasingly automated world.