By KIM BELLARD
Earlier this month, U.S. dockworkers went on strike for the first time in decades demanding a 77% pay increase. The strike was resolved with a 60% wage increase agreement over six years, but the real issue remains automation. The dockworkers union is adamant about resisting automation, but experts believe that embracing automation is necessary for ports to remain competitive on a global scale.
Despite the pushback from the union, automation is becoming a standard practice in the shipping industry worldwide, with many ports already fully or semi-automated. The U.S. lags behind in this regard, which poses a threat to its competitiveness. The need for automation is not just limited to the shipping industry but extends to various sectors affected by technological advancements.
Experts emphasize the importance of finding a middle ground where automation can benefit both workers and the industry. Resisting automation may provide a temporary reprieve, but long-term sustainability lies in adapting to technological changes. The dockworkers’ dilemma serves as a cautionary tale for all industries facing automation challenges, reminding them to prepare for a future where tasks, not jobs, will define organizational structures.
This issue extends beyond dockworkers or Hollywood writers; it affects all workers as automation continues to reshape the workforce. The outcome of the port strike will set a precedent for future labor disputes against advanced automation. As technology evolves, it is essential for workers to embrace automation as a means to enhance productivity and share benefits with employees.
The future of work is intertwined with automation, and it is imperative for workers to recognize the role of technology in redefining job tasks. Embracing automation is not just about job preservation but about adapting to a changing landscape where innovation and efficiency go hand in hand.
Kim is a former emarketing exec at a major Blues plan, editor of the late & lamented Tincture.io, and now regular THCB contributor
