Andrew Yang Policy on EASE THE TRANSITION TO SELF-DRIVING VEHICLES

[Sherman A1]

Over 3 million Americans work as truck drivers, and over 7 million are employed related to trucking activity. Self-driving truck technology is rapidly becoming sophisticated enough to replace these drivers, and the economy is not prepared to absorb the loss of so many jobs. Truck drivers are 94% male, average age 49, average education high school or one year of college – there are not necessarily other opportunities for them that will pay a comparable salary. Additionally, hundreds of communities are built around the trucking industry, and those communities are also at risk from the coming automation.

We need to implement a plan for how to handle the loss of these jobs, and we have to do it soon. Some estimates have the mass production of these vehicles as occurring within the decade. This has potential for serious unrest if not handled properly.

"Truck driving is the most common job in 29 states. As automation improves, millions of American workers’ livelihoods are at stake. We need to engineer a smooth transition for these millions of workers so that their contributions are recognized and that they benefit from some of the new efficiencies and cost-savings. Handled correctly, the automation of truck driving could be celebrated as a positive thing even by any of the workers involved."

"Appoint a Trucking Czar to oversee the successful transitioning of truck drivers as self-driving trucks become more commonplace. Ask Andy Stern to lead the commission.
Propose a tax on profits derived from self-driving trucks to provide severance packages for the drivers whose jobs are replaced. The estimated cost-savings and efficiency gains of automated freight are $168 billion per year which is enough to pay the truckers significant sums and still save tens of billions per year. "

https://www.yang2020.com/policies/trucking-czar/

[Skittles]

1. thinking ahead

[Sherman A1]

2. Indeed he is

his discussions of the coming impact of AI on the trucking industry and such places as truck stops which employ a whole lot of folks is very enlightening.

[Recursion]

3. It's hard not to like Yang (nt)

[loyalsister]

4. I'm so glad he's in the race

Automation doesn't get nearly enough attention. We have always heard about economic growth without the full context that includes job losses. The strategy seems to be to redirect attention to job creation. Unless the changes are radical, low unemployment and job creation are as superficial as most stock market indicators of the health of the economy.
With AI continously replacing human labor, a goal of full employment in any traditional sense is a fools errand.
Yang is the only one who is acknowledging it, and it's very refreshing.

[The Mouth]

5. I doubt he'll get the nomination

but he damned sure should be in the cabinet of whoever does (assuming they beat Trump). Visionary thinker, for sure.

[Sherman A1]

6. Hard to say who will be the nominee at this point

It is still very early.

[The Mouth]

7. No argument.

But merely pointing out that if he doesn't, he should still have a seat at the table.

[Sherman A1]

8. Appreciate your thoughts there

I completely agree.