KFI:
LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Despite vocal objections from unionized dockworkers and a recent City Council veto, the Los Angeles Harbor Commission today again approved a permit allowing electric-powered automated cargo handlers to be installed by the port’s largest operator.
The automated handlers will be operated at the Port of Los Angeles by the Danish firm Maersk, the world’s biggest container shipping company, through its subsidiary APM Terminals. Members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 13 have argued the automation will cost them work opportunities each day.
“APM has proven that they’re going to benefit their pockets,” said Ray Familathe, president of the ILWU Local 13. “Please include us into this automation project. I think the commission is making a poor decision. These are hard workers. If we can’t be included in technology going forward, then what can we be included in?”
The board’s vote was 3-2, with commissioners Anthony Pirozzi and Diane Middleton opposing. The board’s vote was technically a rejection of an ILWU appeal of the port’s original approval of the permit. more here
Longshoreman have been extortionists since day one. The most overpaid group on the world. Their ‘tax’ is passed along to the rest of us.
Do these idiots understand that without technology, ships would still be travelling with sails, there would be no container shipping, and none of them would have jobs?
These jobs serve no purpose to society except to elevate prices, keep union, “mob”, workers paid and democrats in office. Good riddance.
What they don’t realize is that they can either put in the automated equipment or they can watch the business go to other ports that aren’t as expensive.
I just don’t understand why anyone would make such a large investment on something that won’t be around in 12 years!
While I hate to see anyone lose their job, I’d trust the ethics of a robot over a union thug anyway.
In Seattle, part of the union agreement with the port is that Port police (a real police department) can not carry firearms on the docks. I knew someone who was a Seattle (city) officer. He had a friend on the port department. Whenever there was a longshoreman with a warrant, the port officer would call the city officer to pick the guy up, as the city department was not covered by the agreement. One time the officer went to pick somebody up and ran into a shop steward.
The steward said “You are not allowed to be armed on the docks. Get out of here.”
The officer replied. “Wrong department, so get out of my way. If you don’t get out of my way I have room for two in my car.”
I must say, though, that my grandfather was a longshoreman in Brooklyn.
Robots increase offloading by 30%, do not go on strikes and are not corrupt and do not seek power.
Quite honestly, given the organized crime infiltrating the union and CA politics, I would be surprised if this change happens.
The cynical me sees this decision as merely a negotiating tactic for some groups to gain more money and power.
I’ll believe it when I see it.
It’s tough to see your job disappearing, particularly when it is only certain job types going away and you feel singled out. That is progress. There are lots and lots of jobs available, although they require different skills, and in general wages are increasing. That is progress too.
Will these robots speak espanol?
Looks like the unions must have been cutting back on payola to certain politicians.
My father used to say “Whenever you hear any group bitching and complaining about job losses or going on strike too often, that is because their jobs are not going to be around.” Think milkmen, think plasterers (drywall was invented in late 50’s because of the plasterers’ strikes)and the invention of container shipping in the mid-60’s.
It seems as if more longshoremen will be gone as well as public school teachers and nurses.
Learn to Code!
Or learn how to maintain the new machines.
Maybe they shouldn’t have gone on strike so often.
They priced themselves out of the market. The robotics to load/unload a container ship is simpler than to pick a tomato.
2017 Daily Breeze: Those full-time dockworkers in Los Angeles and Long Beach earn $123,278 on average, get full free medical coverage and receive a pension, according to the PMA, which represents the terminal operators.
2015 LA Times: About half of West Coast union longshoremen make more than $100,000 a year — some much more, according to shipping industry data. More than half of foremen and managers earn more than $200,000 each year. A few bosses make more than $300,000. All get free healthcare.
We may wind up seeing this…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Re7vtxTqpg
Now how are they going to get union dues from machines?