We all must cope with rapidly evolving technologies

We all must cope with rapidly evolving technologies

Advancements in modern technology since the 1970s have been nothing short of amazing. In fact, after January 1, 1983, which is widely regarded as the official birthday of the Internet, the world has not been the same, as mankind has more and more leaned on technology to improve efficiency and make life easier, at least for most people.

It’s not surprising, therefore, that with the leap to the development of artificial intelligence (AI) we are now seeing a real threat to jobs.

This issue, which is both encouraging and troubling, was explored in detail in a Business Observer Special Report […]

Dockworkers join other unions in trying to fend off automation, or minimize impact

Dockworkers join other unions in trying to fend off automation, or minimize impact

The massive port workers’ strike that has shut down all the major dockyards on the Eastern seaboard of the U.S. and the Gulf coast is highlighting a fear held by many workers: Eventually, we will be replaced by machines.

The International Longshoremen’s Association, which represents the approximately 45,000 dock workers who walked off the job Tuesday, is testing whether it’s possible to fight back.

The union is demanding, along with hefty pay raises, a total ban on the automation of gates, cranes and container-moving trucks in its ports. But it’s unclear whether they’ll be able to stave off a trend that […]

Dockworkers Join Other Unions in Trying to Fend off Automation, or Minimize the Impact

NEW YORK (AP) — The massive port workers’ strike that has shut down all the major dockyards on the Eastern seaboard of the U.S. and the Gulf coast is highlighting a fear held by many workers: Eventually, we will be replaced by machines.

The International Longshoremen’s Association, which represents the approximately 45,000 dock workers who walked off the job Tuesday , is testing whether it’s possible to fight back.

The union is demanding, along with hefty pay raises, a total ban on the automation of gates, cranes and container-moving trucks in its ports. But it’s unclear whether they’ll be able to […]

Dockworkers join other unions in trying to fend off automation, or minimize the impact

Dockworkers join other unions in trying to fend off automation, or minimize the impact

Longshoremen bow for a prayer during a strike at the Bayport Container Terminal on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Annie Mulligan) By CATHY BUSSEWITZ

AP Business Writer

NEW YORK The massive port workers’ strike that has crippled all the major dockyards on the Eastern seaboard of the U.S. is highlighting a fear held by many workers: Eventually, we will all be replaced by machines.The International Longshoremen’s Association, which represents the approximately 45,000 dock workers who walked off the job Tuesday, is testing whether it’s possible to fight back.The union is demanding, along with hefty pay […]

Automation from the Worker’s Perspective: How can new technologies make jobs better?

Automation from the Worker’s Perspective: How can new technologies make jobs better?

1 Introduction

Sam Sayer worked in factories for years before he ever saw a robot. Now, in a red beard and zombie t-shirt, he’s teaching his colleagues on the factory floor how to use them [ 1 ]. Sayer is one of a growing group of employees at a New Hampshire cutting tool manufacturer who have become champions of the automation transforming their jobs. In recent years, Sayer’s employer has scaled advanced technologies across the company. Robots and advanced machines are distributed throughout their factories, working alongside employees to make them faster and freeing workers up to solve problems […]

Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Report 2023-24

Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Report 2023-24

For Prelims: National Statistical Office (NSO) , Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) , Formal Jobs , Reverse Migration , Informalisation , Automation , Digitisation , Goods and Services Tax (GST) , MSMEs , Green Jobs .

For Mains: Status of employment in India, Challenges associated with creation of formal jobs.

Source: BS Why in News? Recently, the National Statistical Office (NSO) released the annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) report 2023-24 , showing the unemployment rate stagnated at 3.2% that raises concerns about the inability to generate enough formal jobs . What are the Key Highlights of […]

How AI Is Rewriting Business Rules—Just Like Globalisation Did in the ’90s!

How AI Is Rewriting Business Rules—Just Like Globalisation Did in the ’90s!

The business world is no stranger to transformative waves of change. In the 1980s and 1990s, the rapid globalisation of markets reshaped how companies operated, introducing new efficiencies (do you remember JIT or just in time?), expanding opportunities, and forcing adaptations that fundamentally altered the corporate landscape. Fast forward to today, and we are witnessing a similar revolution—this time driven by artificial intelligence (AI). Much like globalisation, AI is ushering in profound changes in business operations, strategies, and workforce dynamics. The parallels between the rise of AI and the globalisation era are striking, as both have or will change […]

Financial stability grows for shift workers in 2024

Financial stability grows for shift workers in 2024

Story image New data from Deputy’s latest State of Hourly Work Survey reveals that feelings of financial stability are improving for shift workers, driven by trends like poly-employment which provide more predictable income.

The survey, which gathered insights from 1,434 Australian shift workers, highlights key trends shaping the future of the shift work economy.

According to the findings, the percentage of shift workers able to cover their expenses while also saving increased from 25% in 2023 to 35% in 2024. This shift suggests a significant improvement in financial well-being among this workforce segment. A similar trend is noted globally, with shift […]

Strategies for hiring the right metal fabrication shop employee

Strategies for hiring the right metal fabrication shop employee

Episode art Tim and Caleb discuss the challenges of hiring and retaining employees in the metal fabrication industry, particularly at high-mix, high-volume fab shops.

Caleb talks about how his company has found success by hiring people without prior fabrication experience and training them in-house and focusing on creating a collaborative, positive work environment with clear processes and systems to reduce stress. They also talk about the fact people need livable wages, and without that, workers are going to continue to move from shop to shop.

Tim and Caleb also talk about the benefits of cross-training shop floor employees in software development […]

Navigating the risks and benefits of AI’s fast-paced growth

Navigating the risks and benefits of AI's fast-paced growth

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a cornerstone of the 21st century’s technological evolution, with its impact being felt across nearly every sector, from healthcare and finance to entertainment and creativity. The speed at which AI is advancing, especially in recent years, has both fascinated and unsettled society, prompting a closer examination of its benefits and risks. According to recent estimates, the market for AI technologies amounted to around $200 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow beyond $1.8 trillion by 2030 . How AI drives innovation across industries

The most visible aspect of AI’s rise in recent years […]