Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia
Senior Director of Digital Economy, Technology, & Innovation,
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Gabe Batstone
CEO,
Contextere
Intelligence Council
The industrial workforce — the backbone of our economy — is at a crossroads.
Aging workers are retiring and taking decades of expertise with them, contributing to the growing skills gap that’s leaving younger generations unprepared for the complexities of modern manufacturing, logistics and maintenance. This urgent situation demands a new way of thinking about how we support and empower industrial workers and how we talk about artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.
In this interview, Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia, Senior Director of Digital Economy, Technology and Innovation at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and Gabe Batstone, CEO of Contextere, and a member of the Canadian Chamber’s Future of Artificial Intelligence Council, discuss the vision of “Blue Collar AI ®” and what it could mean for the industrial workforce.
Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia: What are the most pressing challenges blue collar workers are facing in the age of AI?
Gabe Batstone: The retirement of seasoned professionals is leaving critical knowledge gaps that newer workers struggle to fill due to steep learning curves and limited support. Adding to the complexity, unions — essential advocates for worker rights — often approach new technology with caution, concerned about job displacement and the erosion of protections. However, continuing to use outdated tools and processes will only make it harder to meet the fast-paced demands of modern operations.
Ulrike: What solutions would you suggest?
Gabe: What if the narrative around AI shifted from automation to empowerment? Instead of replacing workers, AI could become their trusted collaborator, enabling them to work with greater safety, precision and confidence. By amplifying human capability rather than diminishing it, AI could bridge the skills gap, preserve institutional knowledge, and create opportunities for meaningful, fulfilling work. This is the Blue Collar AI ® vision — a reimagining of how technology can uplift the people who keep industries moving forward.
Ulrike: Blue Collar AI ® sounds like an excellent vision. Can you please share more on this front?
Gabe: Industrial workers are the unsung heroes of our economy, making critical, minute-to-minute decisions that impact productivity, safety and cost. Blue Collar AI ® will help these workers succeed by providing tools that deliver real-time insights and contextually relevant guidance, thus enhancing expertise; supporting new hires by providing on-the-job assistance that reduces learning curves and errors; and offering opportunities to seasoned workers to pass on their expertise more efficiently, preserving essential knowledge within organizations.
Ulrike: What other challenges does this approach tackle?
Gabe: This approach addresses broader challenges like workforce retention and union collaboration. By equipping workers with tools designed specifically for their environments, job satisfaction increases and workers feel more connected to their roles. Partnering with unions ensures that AI adoption aligns with worker interests, fostering transparency and trust. The goal isn’t to displace jobs but to create environments where technology and human expertise coexist.
Ulrike: What’s next?
Gabe: Blue Collar AI ® isn’t just a vision; it’s a movement that requires all of us — leaders, businesses, unions, and policymakers — to collaborate and champion a future where technology amplifies human potential. Together, we can create industries that thrive, a workforce that feels valued, and a future where AI becomes a trusted partner in building stronger, more resilient communities.
To learn more about the Canadian Chamber’s Future of AI Council, visit chamber.ca.
