Sam Altman called the business a “launderer” of AI, saying it is used as an excuse for layoffs.

Introduction of generative AI as a factor in workforce reduction

* Implementing artificial intelligence (AI) systems can lead to a decrease in staff numbers – this is not new.

* However, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman notes that some companies use “objective” data on AI job displacement as an excuse for layoffs.

> Altman called this practice *“washing through AI.”*

> At the AI summit in India he emphasized that companies sometimes mask cuts under the “AI implementation effect,” even though the real reasons lie elsewhere.

Statistics and practical examples

* Dario Amodei (Anthropic) claims that AI could reduce the need for entry‑level office positions by about 50 %.

* Klarna plans to cut its workforce from 3,000 people to a third of that size by 2030 through automation.

Altman’s position: balancing “losses and new” jobs

1. Reduction – AI will replace certain roles, especially in routine tasks.

2. Creation of new roles – vacancies will arise related to developing, maintaining, and managing AI systems.

> “We’ll find new types of jobs, just as we did with every technological revolution,” Altman says.

> He predicts a significant impact of AI on the labor market in the coming years.

Criticism and economic assessments

* Labor market studies show that since ChatGPT’s launch (November 2022) AI has not had a noticeable effect on macroeconomics.

* Many leaders hide their own problems under the “pretext” of AI and use it as an excuse for cuts.

Expert opinion: the “J curve”

> Robert Solow, senior economist at Apollo Global Management, compares AI development to the early stages of personal computer adoption.

> He predicts a delayed improvement in productivity and company revenues accompanied by a temporary dip – the “J curve.”

* Initial positions may suffer.

* Experienced professionals usually do not lose their jobs; sometimes AI even increases their value.

Conclusion

OpenAI’s CEO warns against the unscrupulous use of the “AI” argument for layoffs, but also acknowledges real job losses. Meanwhile experts expect AI to create new vacancies and ultimately increase overall economic efficiency – although the first years may be challenging.