AI and the Future of Work: Are We Ready for the Coming Changes?
Workers at 14 East Coast and Gulf Coast ports are currently on strike, demanding a significant pay increase of 77% over six years, which would raise starting wages from approximately $20 to $69 an hour. This strike not only highlights the stark pay disparities between East and West Coast dock workers but also raises concerns about the future of job security in an era increasingly dominated by automation and artificial intelligence. As James Brown discusses, the implications of this strike extend far beyond wages, potentially impacting inflation and the broader economy if it continues. He reflects on the larger questions surrounding the future of work, the risks of job displacement due to technological advancements, and the need for protective measures as these changes unfold. Despite acknowledging the challenges, he emphasizes the importance of innovation, urging listeners to consider how prepared we truly are for the evolving landscape of employment.
The ongoing strike at 14 East Coast and Gulf Coast ports has stirred significant concern not just for the workers involved but for the broader implications for the economy and society. As workers demand a staggering 77% pay increase over six years, the potential consequences of such labor disputes extend far beyond wages. The striking dock workers, seeking to increase starting wages to nearly $69 an hour, are grappling with the reality of automation in their industry, which poses a direct threat to job security. Automation and artificial intelligence have transitioned from future possibilities to immediate realities, prompting fears of widespread job displacement. James Brown articulates a pressing concern: while the exact numbers of jobs that may vanish remain uncertain, any significant loss would have profound and far-reaching impacts on society. The episode delves into the necessity for robust policies and protections as we navigate this changing landscape, where innovation must be balanced with the welfare of the workforce and community.
Takeaways:
- The ongoing strike at East and Gulf coast ports is primarily about wage increases and job security.
- Dock workers are demanding a significant raise of 77% over six years, raising starting wages significantly.
- Automation and artificial intelligence are major concerns for dock workers fearing job displacement.
- The potential consequences of the strike could lead to increased inflation affecting everyone.
- The future of work is uncertain, and society must prepare for the impact of automation.
- There is a pressing need for policies and protections as jobs become increasingly automated.
Links referenced in this episode:
Transcript
AI and ports.
James Brown:This is commentary from James Brown.
James Brown:As of now, workers at 14 East coast and Gulf coast ports are on strike.
James Brown:Their contracts expired Monday, and the union representing these dock workers is pushing for a significant raise, 77% over six years.
James Brown:That would take starting wages from about $20 an hour to about $69 an hour by the end of the contract.
James Brown:Currently, west coast long Sherman earn about $55 an hour.
James Brown:So the pay disparity between the two groups are substantial.
James Brown:But the consequences of a strike could be dire for the rest of us.
James Brown:The longer this goes on, the more likely it will be that inflation will spike again, hurting everybody.
James Brown:But this strike isn't just about money or food prices.
James Brown:The real concern is automation.
James Brown:The dock workers don't want machines taking over cargo handling, not because of safety, but because of job security.
James Brown:And that's a larger issue that many of us must consider.
James Brown:As automation and artificial intelligence quickly move from being maybes to constants in our lives and this software gets smarter and smarter, more and more jobs are at risk.
James Brown:I'm not sure if the predictions that tens of millions of jobs will disappear in the next decade are accurate, but if even a fraction of that happens, the impact on society would be massive.
James Brown:So there are many questions here.
James Brown:What do we do about it?
James Brown:How do we adjust?
James Brown:And how replaceable are we?
James Brown:I don't really have answers for them all, but I'm not one to stand in the way of innovation.
James Brown:After all, we wouldn't be chatting right now without it.
James Brown:But we need guard wells, policies and protections in place as jobs fade away.
James Brown:It won't be easy, and I'm not sure our institutions, our corporations, our governments are up for this challenge.
James Brown:Frankly, nothing I've seen in recent years gives me much confidence that they can tackle this.
James Brown:What about you?
James Brown:What do you think?
James Brown:Do you think we're ready for the future of work, or are we in for a rude awakening?
James Brown:And what do you think of this strike and the potential long term impacts of it all?
James Brown:Let me know in the comments and support my work at jamesbrowntv dot substack.com.
James Brown:on that note, I'm James Brown and as always, be well.
