---
title: "Study: Firms often use automation to control certain workers’ wages"
date: 2026-05-07
source: https://news.mit.edu/2026/study-firms-often-use-automation-control-certain-workers-wages-0507
description: "MIT economists found US companies tend to target employees earning a “wage premium,” which increases inequality but not necessarily productivity."
---

# Study: Firms often use automation to control certain workers’ wages

MIT economists found US companies tend to target employees earning a “wage premium,” which increases inequality but not necessarily productivity.

*Published: 2026-05-07*