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Post by faskew on Sept 30, 2017 9:48:01 GMT -5
I was surprised at how many truck-driving jobs there are in the US - 3.4 million. And so that's how many jobs are threatened by robo-trucks. Of course, truck accidents kill about 4,000 people a year in the US, and robots would probably have a better safety record. No going to sleep while driving or taking meth to stay awake, etc. So that's the battle. The trucking companies could make more money with robo-trucks, but 3.4 million jobs could be lost. Each side is sending lobbyists to Congress to flog legislators with bribes...er...campaign donations. I think that the trucking companies have more loose cash than the drivers, so they will eventually win. www.wired.com/story/trucks-robocar-senate-war/
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Post by Deleted on Sept 30, 2017 14:45:29 GMT -5
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Post by faskew on Sept 30, 2017 15:05:56 GMT -5
Definitely not the best job in the world. But for many people, it's the only job they can find. If you're over 40, it's difficult to get work. And that's not just work that gives you health insurance, paid holidays, etc. I mean any kind of work. So this guy jumped into trucking at 58. And has miserable hours for very little pay. Sad tale.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 30, 2017 15:17:45 GMT -5
We've had this conversation before about age discrimination, Fred. Got to go now, but I'll be back this afternoon.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 30, 2017 20:20:31 GMT -5
When I was unemployed and put into one of these "how to make a resume" courses they make you do so you convey the appearance of actually "working" for your unemployment subsidies, I met an old trucker (late 50s or early 60s, I think) who had become unemployed just a few years ago. Couldn't do his old job any more, or so he said, because of a bad hip, and back pains. He applied for a job to transport disabled peole, but I left before he got his interview so I don't know what became of him. I remember he said he basically just wanted a job so he could earn some money for a couple years before his retirement.
Very fun to be around - a bit brash, but a nice person in his own way.
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