AI and job loss are top of mind in Sacramento’s 7th Congressional District – capradio.org

Students at Sacramento City College and campuses nationwide use artificial intelligence every day.

Nineteen-year-old Yana Melnyk is studying psychology at the campus. She uses ChatGPT to help with school assignments. But as she prepares to transfer to Sacramento State, she’s worried what AI could mean for her future careers. 

“So, a lot of people will lose jobs. I think of computer science majors and people on my campus,” she said. “I’m concerned about that and I hope it will never touch me.”

But as students prepare to enter the workforce, some worry the same technology they rely on for coursework could make it harder to find a job. Many already in the job market share the same concern.

With the Nov. 3 election approaching, Sacramento’s Congressional District 7 race pits incumbent Doris Matsui against Sacramento City Councilmember Mai Vang. Both Democrats say workers need protection as AI changes the job market. The Alliance for Secure AI, a nonprofit pushing for stronger safeguards, says layoffs linked to AI have cut nearly 130,000 U.S. jobs since January 2025.

In an interview with CapRadio, Vang said employers too often decide on new technology before consulting employees. 

“Employers are automating jobs and calling it efficiency. And most people, most workers find out after the decision is made,” she said.

Vang wants employees consulted before AI changes their duties at work. She also backs the PRO Act, which would strengthen union organizing rights, and independent safety reviews of major AI systems.

In a statement to CapRadio, Matsui said workers should share in AI-generated gains rather than shoulder the costs of disruption.

“Workers deserve a voice in how AI shapes the future of their jobs and a fair share of the benefits it brings,” she said.

Matsui is examining U.S. Senator Mark Kelly’s Make AI Work for Americans Act, which would require companies benefiting from AI to help fund job training and support for workers. She also wants independent testing of AI systems and stronger accountability for developers.

“We can’t let AI companies grade their own homework,” Matsui said, adding that she will defend California’s AI protections.

Back at Sac City College, Sierra Sheffield studies cosmetology. She doesn’t think artificial intelligence will be cutting hair anytime soon, but she worries it will affect other job markets.

She says AI has become part of her everyday life. She uses ChatGPT for everything from hair design ideas to help remodeling her room. 

“Not my job. I do think it will take over some jobs,” Sheffield said. “A lot of jobs, actually. It’s already hard to find a job as it is.”

And some unionized workers are already seeing technology change their jobs.

Ammir Dean is the President of UNITE HERE Local 49. He says automation is changing how workers do their jobs in hotels, restaurants and casinos. The union wants workers to have more say in how new technology is introduced.

“So, front desk, cashiers, I think a lot at airports, you’re seeing screens instead of cashiers,” Dean said. “AI technology is new and exciting, but I think we need to resist the temptation to just throw it at every problem and … move a little bit more slowly if we’re just throwing it in untested; it could be really harmful.”

Dean said automating tasks removes human interaction and skill from our daily lives.

“I don’t think it replaces hospitality,” he added. “I don’t think you can replace the smile on a server’s face.”

Melnyk, the Sac City student studying psychology, said she doesn’t plan to vote in November, but believes voters and politicians should consider AI in their policymaking. She relies on the technology today. What’s less certain is how much it could change the jobs available when she finishes college.

“I think so because since AI developed so quickly, it will become a big part of citizens’ lives,” Melnyk said. “So, it’s definitely something that they should consider.”