Telstra, Australia's largest telecom company, is cutting more jobs this week as it continues to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to replace some human tasks. These cuts are part of its “Connected Future 30” plan, which aims to save money by using AI for things like customer service and software work. The company says that using new technology will help reduce operating costs by billions, but this also means fewer people are needed for certain roles.
Last year, Telstra let go of about 2,800 workers (almost 9% of its total staff) to save around 350 million Australian dollars. Now, the company says “hundreds more” jobs are being reviewed and could be cut soon. Workers and unions are worried that AI is taking over too quickly, leaving many people jobless without proper training for new roles. Telstra says it will offer support to affected staff, but many believe the damage is already being done.
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