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by SlapperKoala 1783 days ago
The cheapest way to automate something is always poor people.This applies even more so in the developing world. Where the vast majority of new construction is happening.

Though it would be interesting to see what the state of construction is like in developed countries that don't have access to a vast pool of cheap immigrant labor. Maybe New Zealand? Northern Europe?
2 comments
munificent 1783 days ago
> The cheapest way to automate something is always poor people.

The corrolary to this, if you are a tech nerd who wants to see more automation is: If you want more automation, work to reduce poverty. Support unions, high wages, and other systems that give people the freedom to say no to shitty jobs that robots could do.

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moduspol 1783 days ago
Not everywhere in the US has a vast pool of cheap immigrant labor. That's a fairly localized thing.

I'm just outside of Pittsburgh and, I guess I can't say conclusively, but the vast majority of landscapers, construction workers, and other outdoor laborers appear to come from the general local population. It's not like what I hear about California / Texas where hispanic immigrants are disproportionately represented.

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