Advancements in technology could hurt workers down the road - ABC 12 News

FLINT (WJRT) (9/27/19) - Temporary workers, wages and health care have been major topics at the bargaining table. But so has job security.

It all has to do with the future of technology that has been creeping into our vehicles for more than a decade.

First, it was robotics on the assembly line. Now, technology is pushing vehicles even farther, which in turn may push millions of assembly workers out of a job, according to a Morgan Stanley report.

"It's not just a mechanical device. It is a mechanical device, but it's also an electronic device," said Robert McMahan, president of Kettering University. "It's a computer that runs software. It communicates with its environment. It communicates with your phone."

But, where there could be a reduction in the workforce in one area, opportunities will exist in others.

"The number of jobs in the autonomous vehicle, mobility space have increased something like 830%," McMahan said.

Workers are fighting for job security, better wages and health care.

"As far as negotiations go, they have lasted longer than we anticipated," said Remond Mayfield from United Auto Workers Local 651. "But, the mood of my brothers and sisters, we're staying strong and we'll be here as long as we need to be to get the issues resolved."

There is hope that a deal can be reached soon, as workers' first strike pay of just $250 arrives early next week.

"We're hoping and praying that we can get back to work soon and that GM comes to some type of negotiation that's in our favor for us to go back to work, to be able to support our families," said fellow UAW Local 651 member Danotra Moore.

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