The US dockworkers port strikes have temporarily paused, allowing for continued negotiations. University of Richmond's Robins School of Business professor Shital Thekdi joins to discuss the emerging focus on automation in these talks.

Thekdi notes that the core of the port strike dialogue centers on "efficiencies and the use of automation in ways that can replace workers." However, she emphasizes that other critical considerations are at play, including extreme events, "atypical working conditions", and "generally unsafe working conditions."

"The potential is that AI and technology can actually help improve health and safety of workers, which is incredibly important," Thekdi tells Yahoo Finance.

However, Thekdi acknowledges that across various professions, the increasing presence of AI has raised valid concerns. She notes, "It's very natural and valid" for individuals to worry about potential job displacement due to these technologies.

"Trust in technologies happens over time and it happens with experience and through meaningful dialogue among stakeholders. It doesn't just happen overnight," she explains to Yahoo Finance, adding: "This isn't just about workers and jobs, though those are very important and incredibly critical concerns within the conversation, but this is also just a question of technology and trust within that technology."

For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Asking for a Trend.

This post was written by Angel Smith