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This forum will bring together scholars, workers, business representaties, and labor leaders to discuss how emerging technologies are shaping labor markets. A central concern is the emergence of the 'knowledge economy.' The integration of biotechnology, robotics and telecommunications will sharply reduce the demand for repetitive, dangerous, or otherwise programmable labor. So far, less-skilled workers have borne the brunt of these changes as their opportunities and income have declined. But so-called 'knowledge workers'—those who diagnose, solve or broker solutions to complex problems—now realize that they too can be made technologically obsolescent or replaced more readily by low-wage workers in the global labor market. This forum will provide a venue to discuss the meaning of, and strategies to address these changes.
The keynote address for the forum will be given by Robert Kuttner, founding editor of The American Prospect. His talk, 'Making Technology Work for Worker' will take place on Friday Oct 13 at 7:30 pm in Kane Hall 130 on the University of Washington, Seattle campus. On Saturday Oct 14, there will be a full day of panel discusssions on technology, globalization, and challenges to social organization in Mary Gates Hall. In addition, Ray Marshall, former Sectretary of Labor, will give a luncheon address entitled 'How Unions Can Prepare Workers for a Knowledge-Intensive Society.' This will take place on Saturday Oct 14 at 12:15 in the Husky Union Building, Room 108. Tickets are required for Kuttner & Marshall's talks. Details about tickets and the complete program for this event are available at our website.
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