Automation nation?

Unite delegate and taxi driver, Mike Hedges, supported  a motion on the impact of automation on employment, calling for research and policy.

Focusing on the transport sector he spoke on the detrimental effects on shipping and the significant impact of driverless vehicles in passenger transport.

But, he added, automation is an issue in all of the sectors Unite organises in – including manufacturing, food, health and finance.

Hedges reported that analysis by the Bank of England suggests that up to 15m jobs in the UK could be at risk.

“But one thing is for sure,” he said. “How technology is introduced and the effects of automation will depend on the strength of bargaining power.”

“There is nothing inevitable about automation and we should not be passive about its introduction.

“We need to shape how it is introduced and ensure it is for the benefit of all and not the few. It cannot be the route to further inequality,” he continued.

What was needed was policy and a strategy to help support us do it.

“Automation and the ‘rise of the robots’ is associated with terms like the ‘digital economy’ and the ‘gig economy’.

“This may sound exciting and cutting edge. But all too often it is associated with insecurity, poor conditions and a lack of employment rights.

“We need technology to improve our lives rather than for us to be slaves to it. We should determine and shape how it serves us rather than be its servant,” concluded Hedges.

The motion was carried.