A major Australian software company plans to eliminate approximately 2,000 positions through artificial intelligence integration over the next two years. The workers' union is demanding immediate discussions about the massive workforce reduction affecting nearly one-third of employees.
A workers’ union in Australia is demanding emergency discussions with a major technology company after the firm revealed plans to eliminate roughly 2,000 positions through an artificial intelligence overhaul spanning two years.
On Thursday, Professionals Australia, the organization representing technology and engineering employees, stated that WiseTech Global must engage in mandatory consultations with workers and union representatives prior to executing significant operational changes. The union is also requesting comprehensive written documentation detailing the deployment strategy for new AI technology, projected employment effects, and strategies to prevent or minimize layoffs.
The Sydney-headquartered company, which develops software solutions for shipping and logistics operations, announced Wednesday its intention to incorporate artificial intelligence technology into both client-facing applications and internal business processes. This transformation is expected to impact approximately 29 percent of WiseTech’s international workforce, which totals roughly 7,000 employees spread across 40 nations.
“The introduction of AI on this scale is clearly a major workplace change,” said Professionals Australia Director Paul Inglis, emphasizing that proper consultation requires full transparency regarding the extent of position eliminations and sincere evaluation of alternative options including employee reassignment and skills training programs.
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