Innovation - not jobs??

[SEraider]

Hi all, I ran across this thread.  Definately a lot to think about our future regarding how to look at jobs and productivity.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMF-Z74C1QE&feature=youtu.be

DISCLAIMER: Some of you may be sensitive to this topic due to recent job losses or displacment from this great recession or depression.  My thoughts and respects to all of you who were effected. 

[MrRiplEy[H]]

Hi all, I ran across this thread.  Definately a lot to think about our future regarding how to look at jobs and productivity.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMF-Z74C1QE&feature=youtu.be

DISCLAIMER: Some of you may be sensitive to this topic due to recent job losses or displacment from this great recession or depression.  My thoughts and respects to all of you who were effected. 

[Stalwart]

You can't do ..... with innovation without capital, unless you're in a non-capitalist system, and then, whats the motivation to innovate?

[Copprhed]

My question is this...when worker productivity rose from 1950 to 1978 by 97% and worker income rose a corresponding amount, 94% and then from 1978 to present productivity rose 80% and worker income rose only 10%, or BARELY keeping up with inflation, where is the incentive to produce? The income of the top 1% has quadrupled or quintupled, depending on whose stats you use. The fact that those of us who PRODUCE the work have been stepped on and ignored for the last 34 or so years indicates that our capitalist system is every bit as flawed as the Communist system was. I'm not advocating for socialism/communism, but something has to give. At this rate, I predict a US Bastille Day will come...and soon.

[Shuffler]

My question is this...when worker productivity rose from 1950 to 1978 by 97% and worker income rose a corresponding amount, 94% and then from 1978 to present productivity rose 80% and worker income rose only 10%, or BARELY keeping up with inflation, where is the incentive to produce? The income of the top 1% has quadrupled or quintupled, depending on whose stats you use. The fact that those of us who PRODUCE the work have been stepped on and ignored for the last 34 or so years indicates that our capitalist system is every bit as flawed as the Communist system was. I'm not advocating for socialism/communism, but something has to give. At this rate, I predict a US Bastille Day will come...and soon.

So your income only rose 10% since 78? Are you really producing?

[zack1234]

This process as been going for the past 40 years, it is now affecting the so called middle classes.

These academic jobs are being taken over by technology.

In the UK there was a large manufacturing base which was left to wither on the vine due to lack of investment.

The Economic policy of the Thatcher government deregulated the Financial sector which resulted in a surge in the service sector which benefited everyone with access to cheap credit.

The result is here now  and not unforeseen, the anxiety of the so called middle classes is shameful as they had no concern for the working classes who were left to wither on the vine.

The investment culture has come to bite them on the backsides and they ring their hands horror.

"Who is to blame? Its not us? We are not at fault! We need to blame someone!" (Middle-Classes)

I wonder who they will blame? and will the next leader have a little mustache or and little square one?

I am going to build wall for someone for cash in hand cya

[Copprhed]

So your income only rose 10% since 78? Are you really producing?

That's after adjusting for inflation, shuffler...and HELL YES, I PRODUCE!!! Much more than the best of the averages. I manage AND maintain an apartment community, alone, except for rare instances that I must use a contractor for a job bigger than I am. I lay vinyl, hardwood floors, do all make-readies. I complete ALL service orders same day, and work an average of 50 to 60 hours EVERY week. I'm HVAC certified, a Certified Pool Operator and a Certified Lead-based Paint renovator. I'm on call 7/24/52. and I'm making less than what I earned in 2005, let alone 2007. Shuffler, you sound like a typical Mitt Romney Republican, accusing others who work VERY hard, for slave wages, of not being either intelligent or ambitious. I resent the implication of your response, sir, and ask that you seek to put yourself in the shoes of those of us who do work hard, pay our taxes and our bills, and don't live higher than we should by using credit. If ALL the workers in the US went on strike for just a few days, all your wealthy businesses would go to hell in a hand basket. It's about time that the value of the workers, the ones who put YOUR production out, be recognized for what we are...THE BACKBONE of the USA!

[zack1234]

 

[Copprhed]

And Shuffler, if it sounds like you got under my skin...you did. Any time someone insults those of us who work for a living, it bothers me.

[Shuffler]

That's after adjusting for inflation, shuffler...and HELL YES, I PRODUCE!!! Much more than the best of the averages. I manage AND maintain an apartment community, alone, except for rare instances that I must use a contractor for a job bigger than I am. I lay vinyl, hardwood floors, do all make-readies. I complete ALL service orders same day, and work an average of 50 to 60 hours EVERY week. I'm HVAC certified, a Certified Pool Operator and a Certified Lead-based Paint renovator. I'm on call 7/24/52. and I'm making less than what I earned in 2005, let alone 2007. Shuffler, you sound like a typical Mitt Romney Republican, accusing others who work VERY hard, for slave wages, of not being either intelligent or ambitious. I resent the implication of your response, sir, and ask that you seek to put yourself in the shoes of those of us who do work hard, pay our taxes and our bills, and don't live higher than we should by using credit. If ALL the workers in the US went on strike for just a few days, all your wealthy businesses would go to hell in a hand basket. It's about time that the value of the workers, the ones who put YOUR production out, be recognized for what we are...THE BACKBONE of the USA!

First off I asked a simple question. You come back like a hothead. Maybe that is why your stuck where you are.

I'm an American and a business owner. I am neither republican or democrat. In my opinion neither can change a roll of toilet paper much less run a business or country.  But it's not about me.... it's about you working in a job that evidently has no future.

I pay my taxes. As an employer I also match what taxes my employees pay in dollar for dollar. Then I pay taxes on my trucks, buildings, furniture and electronics..... every year. Even though I own them. I also pay property taxes.

Businesses pay many/much more in taxes that what you see on an income tax report.

[Shuffler]

And Shuffler, if it sounds like you got under my skin...you did. Any time someone insults those of us who work for a living, it bothers me.

Well if you're not happy with your pay then I'd suggest looking for better employment.

Don't go around accusing folks of insulting you that only asked a simple question.

[Rob52240]

While worker's wages have remained more or less stagnant for the past 30 years, the disparity between rich and poor in the us has come down to par with most 3rd world countries.  

[zack1234]

The fact of the matter is in the Global economy impacts "Both" the "Worker" and the "Businessman".

A good businessman and employer who is just in and fair to his employees will succeed.

A worker who works hard will come into his own in this time of recession.

In regards to looking for better employment that's all well and done in the current climate, all that can be said that anyone who works hard and struggles should be  held in high respect.

And a businessman who works hard and is fair should also be held in high respect.

I am thinking  of becoming a Capitalist oppressor of the proletariat, At present have become self employed as a consultant

[SEraider]

The main issue the video is implying is whether the digital age is affecting our ability of earning a living?  A sub-point is whether businesses are investing in capital equipment without hiring people for effeciency standards.

For example, we just purchased a large piece of equipment with an automated robot.  Without the robot, we would need 3 operators for this particular project.  We can now have one operator saving us tens of thousands of dollars per year.  In my company, our goal is to cut our laborr force 60% in the next 10 years to keep up with globalized competative force.

The ultimate question is, whether humanity as a whole will be better off in the long run.

[zack1234]

New technology is not the problem its the downturn of the economy, the undeveloped markets of the non industrial societies will in the future be the new markets for products.