Are people in danger of losing their jobs due to the new autonomous technology? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics around 3.8 million Americans work as motor vehicle operators: truck drivers, van delivery, taxis, buses and other type of operations: such as Ubering.
Robot cars could make millions lose their jobs
Even if truck driving is the most common occupation in 29 states, with the new robot cars their jobs might be in jeopardy.
Labor expert and president emeritus of the Service Employees International Union, Andy Stern, believes that this is the biggest disruption in terms of jobs that the US has ever experienced. Stern said that many are in denial, but it is a reality they cannot escape. Apart than driving, there are also 4 million people in the US working in truck-related jobs, apart from driving, such as insurance agents, parking meter attendants, truck stops, parking lots, toll booths, auto body ships and garages.
Taxi drivers could also go extinct
Another belief is that taxi drivers will lose their jobs and robot taxi services will be used in the future. This means that many other autonomous cars will end private car ownership. The effect is also on car dealers, around 1.3 million people in 2016.
John Paul MacDuffie, management professor and director of the Wharton School’s program on vehicles and mobility innovation, has declared that the net impact of automation is positive for the economy. He compares this situation of that with the ATMs, which contrary to initial believes, they helped banks open more branches and creating more teller jobs.
Another comparison is that of the flying situation. Even though airplanes can fly themselves, pilots are still used to for takeoffs, landings and other necessities.
All in all, old jobs might disappear, but new ones will be created.
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