The Impact of Automation on Longshoremen: A Threat to Our Workforce

In this episode of “Pace of the Waterfront,” we delve into the devastating effects of port automation on longshoremen, drawing parallels from the Port of Rotterdam’s drastic workforce reduction. Discover how automation threatens to reshape the West Coast ports, potentially displacing thousands of workers. Join us as we discuss the human cost of technological advancement and explore ways to advocate for balanced policies that protect jobs while embracing efficiency.
Stand with your community. Participate in union meetings, advocate for retraining programs, and ensure your voice is heard in this critical transition.
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[@lanzji1345]

In the European transportation industry, one of the main drivers of automation is the shortage of workers. For the EU, recent estimations I saw talked about 100'000 workers missing! So, on this side of the atlantic, job loss as a whole is not a big issue. This is of course different for the individuals. For a lot of people, their work changes completely. That's not always easy. Fortunately, most countries have a rather good social net in case of job loss. But modern technology is and has always been a blessing and a challenge. This is true for blue collar workers and automation, but also for white collar workers. I'm an engineer with about 25 years of experience, and if I compare what engineering meant then and now, I can see some drastic changes. The biggest one however has just started, with wide availability of AI. Interesting times.

[@Cranedaddytiktok]

Wow great comment I need to talk with you on a podcast. I always hear a lot about shortage of workers now I can’t speak for other countries but I can tell you in the US. There is no shortage yet. They say there is I know one day automation will be faster than humans but right now it’s not logistically. I think the AI can help with efficiency for Maneuvering planning prepping, but I still think we’re faster and better with using humans and yes, technology is wonderful and can enhance our lives. It’s the process of integrating it to help us thank you for your comment. It was fantastic.

[@webluke]

The lack of workers is tied directly to the mass depopulation agenda and the mass illegal immigration of people dependent on the government. When people no longer form families and have children, along with fewer people working in the trades. Illegal immigrants don't and can't fill the jobs of citizens. The EU is the proving ground for the USA. Automation is at a technological point where it can do many jobs, and as wages are artificially inflated with minimum wage increases, businesses big and small will be forced to look into automation with no thought of the effects on the people because they have been built on only focusing on what is best for the business.

[@JimmyJack-hc2jo]

Please read the book: Who moved my cheese and comment. Detroit auto workers went through this change to robots and automation many years ago. Many workers had to retrain into new career fields and move away from Detroit. The city of Detroit has shrank almost 50% since automation went into effect. Is this foreshadowing what is to come for Long Beach? I have a younger brother who runs a construction company in Las Vegas and the Chinese came to him 15-20 years ago and said that they could supply all of his construction materials at 25% of his current costs, the only catch was a 6 to 8 week shipping delay. He went with the Chinese supplier and so did everyone else. Chinese goods are inferior quality and Chinese workers are held as slaves in prison industries, some clothes tags from China have message in them saying "We need help". Keep American workers working by keeping our jobs here so we can have the high quality products that competition brings. I am voting for Joe Biden to keep our jobs here!

[@Cranedaddytiktok]

I just ordered the book. Thank you.

[@JimmyJack-hc2jo]

@@Cranedaddytiktok Also consider Detroit: an American autopsy by Charlie Leduff in which he describes the grim reality of a ghost town. When you dial 911 in Detroit it may be several hours before a police officer can get to you, no workers no tax revenue. Detroit fire department is so broke they are asking for donations from the public. Please do an episode on ghost towns in America.

[@JimmyJack-hc2jo]

@@Cranedaddytiktok I would ask you to do an episode on the benefits that unions have brought to all American workers both union and non union. 8 hour workdays, time and half overtime pay, better medical and retirement benefits. So many benefits from unions that I can't list them all!

[@Cranedaddytiktok]

@@JimmyJack-hc2jo I will do that thank you for the idea