Progressive One

Can automation work for us?
AFTER GOV. JERRY Brown announced a proposal this week to ratchet up the state’s minimum wage 50% by 2022, business groups warned that the rapid increase could actually hurt the people Brown was trying to help. In addition to laying off workers and moving jobs out of state, they predicted, companies would move more aggressively to automate, replacing at least some of the people on their payroll with machines. That’s not an idle threat, especially for low-sk**led labor; the number of tasks that computerized devices can perform at least as well as humans grows every year. But automation isn’t necessarily bad for workers — just look at what’s happening in the U.S. garment industry.
Competition from Bangladesh, Vietnam and other low-wage countries has been devastating to U.S. apparel jobs, as many domestic manufacturers have moved their factories overseas to slash their labor costs. Total U.S. employment dropped more than 80% over the last two and a half decades, plummeting from just under 1 million garment workers in 1990 to about 135,000 in February.
One consequence is that there are far fewer Americans capable of filling the available jobs than there used to be. And with sewing-machine operators making just $10.50 an hour on average, other fields are proving more attractive to young workers. The labor shortage has opened the door for companies such as SoftWear Automation, which makes what amounts to a robot brain that enables an industrial sewing machine to stitch complex seams automatically. Chief Executive K.P. Reddy says his customers are using the technology not to replace people with machines, but to increase the productivity of a shrinking pool of sk**led workers and eliminate the bottlenecks created by difficult stitching tasks. That can help increase workers’ output — and their value.
Apparel makers are also using technology to make it cost-effective to start a factory in the United States, albeit with much smaller workforces than before. Machines have been making simple garments such as T-shirts for years, and as their ability to handle different materials and perform intricate stitching has improved, they’ve moved on to more complicated products such as dress shirts and jackets. These production lines still need workers, but with different sk**ls — the new machines need to be programmed and monitored carefully, not simply plugged in and loaded with fabric.
To the extent that technology brings apparel jobs back to the U.S., that would be a win for workers. It’s better to have factories with fewer jobs than no factories at all. But the larger trend illustrated by the garment industry is unmistakable. Automation is inexorably cutting the number of people required to produce goods and changing the nature of the work involved in making them. The challenge is to equip workers here to make that shift.

Wolf counselor Loc: Heart of Texas

Well Kuntus,

Since you spooks are allergic to work, this shouldn't bother you much.

But if you ever need a job , I could use a good field hand......................KUNTA !!!

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

Actually, there IS no shortage of jobs - there is just a shortage of low wage/non sk**led jobs only. Look through the professional "help wanted" ads where you live. Look at the websites for professional job seekers and h****rs and you'll see what's REALLY going on.

Colleges and Universities are pumping out people with degrees as fast as they can, as cheaply as they can - resulting in 1000's with degrees that DO NOT qualify them for jobs. This leaves 1000's looking for jobs that don't exist and 1000's of available jobs going unfilled.

The lowest jobless rates in the country, are in States and Counties that ask the business community what they need - and tailor the education and training provided in their schools accordingly. My niece went to college in her home town to be a special needs educator, commendable right? Her college counselor talked her into specializing in "toddler to 5 year olds". I warned her that such specialization would screw her out of working in her field, but she chose THEIR advice over mine. She is STILL looking for work in her field - she graduated with honors 5 years ago.

Progressive One

That is on the student. If I were at that phase, a degree in STEM, Medical school, business admin or something in demand should be pursued.

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

Right - an 18 year old knowing what's best. That is a total cop out - and you know it. It is the JOB of the guidance counselors to guide the students into productive pursuits, but it has become their job to ensure the continued tenure of their fellows.

It is NOT "on the student" - it is on the institution. THEY must be aware and STAY aware of current and future demand and steer students accordingly, or even modify their curricula if necessary.

You know THAT as well. :hunf:

Progressive One

That is on parents. Guidance counselors sometimes steer students below their capability. people need to educate and raise their kids and quit depending on others to do so. where is the conservative mantra of self-reliance when you need it?

PeterS

If people can be replaced by a machine they will be replaced by a machine. Do you honestly think keeping wages low will stop business from making as much money as possible? Whether it is $7 or $15 if a machine can replace you than you are gone...

Progressive One

I agree-we all have to stay ahead of the automation curve. With the GOP helping to destroy unions, this will be even easier for businesses.

ldsuttonjr Loc: ShangriLa

I'm really puking again....where do you find this trash?

Progressive One

I agree with you wholeheartedly. Look at the auto assembly industry. purely robotic.

ldsuttonjr Loc: ShangriLa

Kinda like you....except the system does produce something of worth! Something that tends to completely escapes your attempts at logic!!!!!!

Progressive One

Do you know how to arrange things using boolean algebra? That is real logic.

America Only Loc: From the right hand of God

Do you know that once Admin takes a long look at all your post, and after about 35 or 40 people have reported you, the next round of your being banned will be a long long long one?

Nappy...you are a FRAUD, and we all know you are KHH1....same Lawn Jockey....just a different plantation name.....(oh hey, your Massa is a calling you.....he has a nice big field of cotton you need to get to picking, BOY)!

America Only Loc: From the right hand of God

You and your Nappy Chimp friend can be replaced....penny gum machines....with ease!

Progressive One

that is why khh1 made you lie, look for coalitions, claim you knew all of those people. he destroyed you. I'm not him and I can dissect you little punk without being vulgar.