# The automation apocalypse is the existential event — not Trump (Part 2 of 2) Date: 2026-04-22 Previous Part: https://disrael.github.io/blogs/raw/the-automation-apocalypse-is-the-existential-event-not-trump.part1.md --- Even if unions could protect against automation it would be salary only and not the dignity their members need. So as with other existential events like climate change, the automation apocalypse is both difficult to solve and a tremendous amount of effort is spent just convincing people it exists. Here’s 2020 automation apocalypse doubter Ezra Klein Imagine a video “Too much greenhouse gases? More like not enough.” to get an idea of the tone deafness. (Love the comment “Perfect example of rich, educated, city folk, completely out of touch with the majority.” except that out of touch bit America so hard.) The following year the Big Think doubled down with this piece: [**What skills will set you apart in the age of automation?** *Automation technologies manufacture goods or provide labor with minimal human intervention. They can trace their…*bigthink.com](https://bigthink.com/plus/what-skills-will-set-you-apart-in-the-age-of-automation/ "https://bigthink.com/plus/what-skills-will-set-you-apart-in-the-age-of-automation/") > Epstein likens this future to the propagation of ATMs. Back in the day, pundits predicted that bank tellers would be laid off en masse as the machines took over. But the opposite happened. Banks became more efficient, leading to a trend of more banks opening and more tellers being hired. Today, tellers spend less time counting money (an easy task to automate) and more time building relationships with clients (tasks computers can’t do well). But here’s what actually happened: > Bank teller employment has transitioned from a period of steady growth during the introduction of ATMs (1980s–2000s) to a sharp decline in the 2010s and 2020s, with a projected 13% decline in the U.S. from 2024 to 2034. While automation initially expanded the role by making it cheaper to open new branches, the rise of digital and mobile banking reduced the need for physical branch visits, reversing this trend. That [projected](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/tellers.htm) 13% decline does not include the even further automation that AI will make possible so it will be much higher. ![Image](https://disrael.github.io/blogs/assets/the-automation-apocalypse-is-the-existential-event-not-trump-a43bc0e4aa.png) As banks invest less in human tellers things can get stressful and unions are [sought for the first time](https://labornotes.org/2025/09/wells-fargo-workers-push-bring-union-banking-industry). > Turnover is also a big issue. With five years’ experience, King was the longest tenured worker at his branch. King said the stress — combined with inadequate pay — is a big cause of turnover. “You’re dealing with customers who are on edge, already disgruntled, you’re dealing with people’s money,” said King. “You can have really tough days that take a toll mentally, and you don’t have enough staff to handle it.” > King’s branch voted to join CWA in September 2024. He was fired three months later. The union has filed an unfair labor practice charge alleging it was retaliation for his organizing. King is hopeful he will win his job back. #### Can automation explain white no college education voters? According to [exit polls](https://www.cnn.com/election/2025/exit-polls/new-york-city/general/mayor/46) white no degree voters would have elected Cuomo over Mamdani. ![Image](https://disrael.github.io/blogs/assets/the-automation-apocalypse-is-the-existential-event-not-trump-df33eb98ca.png) Mamdani won solidly with white college educated voters. What gives? It’s complicated because the NYPD are blue collar workers: > As of early 2025, the NYPD reduced its minimum education requirement for police officers to 24 college credits (down from 60), or a high school diploma/GED with two years of active military or police experience. The department offers a 6-month academy training program, which is counted for 45 college credits. and Mamdani is [wishy washy](https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/30/mamdani-backs-away-from-out-of-step-defund-the-police-posts-00485172) on NYPD funding levels. Plus there are all sorts of small ways an aggressive mayor looking to balance the budget can reduce blue collar employment. For instance the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) employs approximately 7,200 uniformed sanitation workers and supervisors, making it the world’s largest sanitation department. However Mamdani is making a big push towards [trash bin usage](https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/04/mayor-mamdani-takes-major-step-toward-citywide-trash-containeriz) and that’s a first step to further automating garbage collection. Mamdani plans to increase the minimum wage in NYC but it’s unclear if the city council can [legally do that](https://www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2025/02/mamdani-unveils-30-30-minimum-wage-push-part-mayoral-campaign/403015/). Mamdani’s position on Waymo automated taxis is [similarly unclear](https://www.thecity.nyc/2026/04/06/waymo-driverless-cars-testing-roads-autonomous-vehicle/) with testing licenses expiring but they could be granted at the state level. Meanwhile Mamdani is clear on [protecting immigrants to NYC](https://www.nyic.org/2026/02/mamdami-executive-order-on-sanctuary-policies-advances-public-safety-for-all-nyers/) and that’s not likely to be popular with the cities current blue collar residents. Without open discussion of the automation apocalypse whether blue collar workers believe Mamdani will help them or not just comes down to vibes. It’s likely in the end that the base of Mamdani’s coalition, young college educated voters, does not want to stop automation. > “New York City leads the nation in reducing traffic deaths, with progress driven by targeted, data-informed street redesigns and targeted enforcement against speeding, red-light running, and other dangerous driving behaviors,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “But our work is far from done — because one death is one too many. Under Mayor Mamdani, we’re building on the success of Vision Zero by thinking boldly and acting with urgency to redesign our streets and use every available tool to keep New Yorkers safe.” New York City prevents red light running primarily through an extensive automated camera program. Plus if “one death is one too many” then ultimately NYC will have to accept Waymo cars that are likely more safe than a human taxi driver. Similarly what young college educated voter is going to take a stand against automated garbage collection?