Automation of the working class

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I always sigh when I see a robot, it wasn't too long ago I myself was stacking shelves and mopping floors at my local supermarket. It was a life time ago but it feels like yesterday. I was a 14 year old making $70 a week. That was everything to me, it helped my family out with bills and groceries as we were quite poor residing in government housing.

Years have rolled by since then and we have automated factories that now construct objects and tools that men and women once crafted.

When the world war hit and no men could work the factory floors women filled their spots earning a wage (it was less than a man's) but it provided economic benefits.

As the years have passed and technology has advanced the precariot class (working class) have been the biggest losers.

I sighed today, as I walked through the isles of my local supermarket and I was greeted by a robot with a smiling face. At first I didn't know what it was, was it watching me? Was it security or a cleaning station due to covid?

As I got closer I could read what was on it, it was a robot the cleaned. I sighed, I instantly thought of the many families across the country that no longer had the economic opportunity I had cleaning floors. Soon, a robot will no doubt be stacking shelves. I've already seen Tesla auto pilot trucks and it won't be long before robots control the whole supply chain. It's cheaper and quicker. It doesn't get tired or take days off. Doesn't need to sleep.

The world is a sad place, yes it also provided economic advantages for the people developing this technology but most of it is not in Australia. It is from offshore multinationals.

Well, here comes another political fight I need to gear up for. We need to make sure people retain their employment and not end up on welfare.

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