An eerie picture of an automated port with computer driven semi tractors. What is missing? The workers.
This post is in response to this article about a new automated container terminal in Brisbane.
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When our daily toil is replaced by robots and human hands no longer drip with blood and sweat the capitalists will have won. Never be fooled into thinking this benefits anybody other than the boss. The great multitudes of working people, chasing the carrot on the stick for a meager portion of the wealth they produce will never reap the rewards of labor saving technology. If the bosses have a monopoly on production, and workers have been rendered obsolete with the implementation of new technology, there will be no point from which to leverage our frustrations... unless of course we chop off the employers heads and rest from them the means to secure our futures.
We can not stop automation. It is here. But the cargo still has to get to the docks. WE as dockers have to lead the charge and follow the cargo back through the supply chain and organize workers every where we go. We need an alliance of all transportation workers. Teamsters, Longshore. WE NEED TO ORGANIZE THE OVER THE ROAD TRUCKERS. We need to be reminded that the W in ILWU has a rich and vibrant history with one of the most intense, successful organizing efforts in American Labor history and that it represents union activity away from the docks. They can replace us all with robots on the docks but it will be a moot point if we control the ability to move cargo in and out of the terminals.
The world needs tried and true old school unionism. Organize the unorganized. Build strong alliances. Give dignity back to working people and challenge the rich and powerful who claim dominion over us all. It's time for a new militancy from all working people, more reflective of the roots of American Labor.
How many years til these terminals are up and running in every corner of the globe? We know they are tracking data from crane operators movements. We know in other parts of the world they twin pick 40 ft containers. We know they have developed equipment to remove cones. On log ships they have implemented labor saving quick release technology. This is nothing new, but we as longshore workers have to be ten steps ahead and not just wait for another blow.
All power to the workers who produce all wealth. Fuck your boss.
