In recent years, the global labor market has undergone profound transformations driven by automation, artificial intelligence, and changes in production structures. In this context, Universal Basic Income (UBI) — a concept once regarded as “far-fetched” — has increasingly become part of policy debates as governments seek responses to employment challenges in the 21st century. Transformation of the labor market The labor market is changing not only in the number of jobs but also, more significantly, in their quality and stability. According to an OECD analysis on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), as many as 45.3 million jobs in the United States could be disrupted by automation by 2028, with sectors such as retail, finance, education, and services among the most heavily affected. This indicates that automation is no longer a concern confined to manufacturing but is extending across nearly all major sectors. At the same time, platform-based or gig work — characterized by freelance, short-term arrangements — has expanded rapidly. A World Bank report estimates that there are up to 435 million gig workers worldwide, representing a 41% increase from 2016 to early 2023. These jobs typically lack social insurance, benefits, and standard labor protections, leaving many workers vulnerable […]
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