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How does your example deter automation when 4.5 people at the current rate would cost the same as three at $15/hour?
Isn't the $75,000 machine only a tiny bit less desireable?
Business will automate the second technology makes it possible.
Just like they did with offshoring.
Its about profit. Nothing more, nothing less.
Workers are just an annoyance.
With the nature of employees being what it is , your last line is dead on accurate.
The day to day cost of any employee is about 30% greater than the hourly rate.
Machines have a purchase price, an amortized value and a maintenance cost. The purchase cost is made at the outset. The life of the machine will likely be about 10 years.
There will be some maintenance cost, but that will be figured in fractions of a percent compared to the human workforce.
The compelling motivation to hire a person is that a person, in many cases, is more adaptable than a machine. The compelling motivation to buy a machine is that a machine is more consistent than a person.
Off shoring results from a combination of motivations. Many of those motivations are the result of punitive tax policies.
Good reasons to locate in the US include an educated work force, orderly society and terrific infrastructure compared to other countries. Good reasons to leave are the ridiculous and layered tax system, high wages and the Labyrinth of regulation and permitting.