Russian Lawmaker Proposes State-Backed Retraining for Workers Replaced by AI

A Russian lawmaker has put forward a proposal to introduce a state-funded program aimed at retraining workers approaching retirement age who are at risk of being replaced by artificial intelligence. According to Yaroslav Samylin, a member of the State Duma from the 'New People' faction, the program would help alleviate the financial and organizational burden on employers tasked with adapting their staff to new digital technologies. By creating accessible retraining courses, the government can enable older workers to remain employed and maintain their income, while businesses can retain experienced staff without incurring excessive costs associated with training them independently. Samylin's proposal emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to retraining, allowing workers to transition into new roles such as system operators or controllers. The lawmaker notes that current professional training programs primarily cater to younger individuals, leaving older specialists without access to tailored programs that would enable them to acquire relevant technological skills. With the increasing adoption of AI and automation, there is a risk that experienced and loyal older employees may find themselves no longer in demand due to a lack of specific digital competencies. By addressing this issue, the proposed program can help ensure that these workers remain valuable assets to their employers.