Jacob Vigdor Discusses Challenges for Workers Who May Lose Their Jobs to Automation
Posted: 3/5/2018 (CSDE in the News)
Affiliate Jacob Vigdor, Professor at the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance, was quoted in a recent Tacoma News Tribune article addressing how about 40% of the workforce in Thurston County could be replaced in the event that their jobs become automated. Of the 103,320 workers in Thurston County, 40,610 have jobs with a high likelihood of becoming automated; these include positions in retail sales and food service, and as office clerks, secretary and administrative assistants, and cashiers, which tend to be low-paying. According to Vigdor, workers at risk of losing their jobs to automation may have a difficult time retraining or relocating for a new job. Asks Vigdor, “What do we think needs to happen for the people who are displaced if they can’t move to Seattle for a job, if they can’t afford to move to San Francisco where the economy is booming? How do we ensure these opportunities are available for folks?” The full article is accessible at the link below.