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GM lays off more than 1,000 workers at Detroit plant — then adds 50 robots: 'We are in a fight for humanity.' Is this progress or betrayal? (www.msn.com)

submitted 1 week ago by cm0002@suppo.fi to c/unions@sh.itjust.works

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General Motors has laid off more than 1,000 workers at its Factory ZERO assembly plant in Detroit while simultaneously introducing 50 AI-powered collaborative robots to the production line.

At the union’s 39th Constitutional Convention in Detroit, UAW President Shawn Fain warned, “We are in a fight for humanity.”

Fain argued AI should improve jobs and productivity rather than leave workers behind.

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[–] Rivalarrival@lemmy.today 1 points 4 days ago (1 children)

What I am talking about is a justification for the government paying each and every individual a regularly stipend. A justification that doesn't rely on "welfare" or "charity".

UBI is a citizenship dividend. It is what the government owes each of us for allowing it to operate.

"Demanding a job" in order to survive is servitude.

If we need to pick up steel, or confiscate gold to convert this "parable" to "certainty", so be it.

[–] fruitycoder@sh.itjust.works 1 points 4 days ago (1 children)

But few are suggesting a dividend. I would prefer that. Instead they are suggesting a charity program ran out of the general fund based on whatever taxes corporations couldnt get out of. With no ownership, as mechanisms to ensure that the direction is in the public good, being mentioned.

That's charity. It's alms from the lords table. What they ought to give after the had what they wanted.

[–] Rivalarrival@lemmy.today 2 points 3 days ago

But few are suggesting a dividend.

They are asking for money to be given to every individual, equally, regardless of circumstances.

That act can be called charity. It can be called an entitlement. It can be called a bribe. It can be called a stimulus. It can be called a refund. It can be called a gift. It can be called wealth redistribution. It can be called a dividend.

Every single time you see "UBI" and take umbrage at the idea of "charity", feel free to substitute "Citizenship Dividend". The two terms are functionally identical. Their only differences are a matter of philosophy. You can make it very clear that you do not subscribe to the "charity" or "wealth redistribution" philosophies if you find those justifications offensive, while continuing to support the regular release of "dividend checks".