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Research Bulletin
Publisher: Research Department, United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America, Don Mills, CanadaYear Published: 1980 Pages: 11pp Resource Type: Article Cx Number: CX2157 Abstract: The most recent Research Bulletin of the United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America (UE) includes papers on automation in manufacturing, the electronics industry and tax gimmicks. The paper, "Canadian Electrical and Electronic Industry - 1979" analyses the federal government's Abstract of Industry and Trade Statistics. The author of the Research Bulletin article discusses the continuing growth of imports in the electrical and electronic industry in Canada, and the effects of high imports on unemployment in Canada. "Tax Gimmicks - Who Benefits? - Who Pays?" illustrates the way that tax laws can be deceptive, exploiting the people they aim to benefit. "Nineteen Eighties - the Decade for Automation in Manufacturing?" outlines the history of computers and robots in the manufacturing industry. The article argues that at the present time, the computer revolution has reached a point at which "almost the entire parts manufacturing process can be computer controlled". The roles of companies like MacDonald Douglas Canada Ltd. And General Motors are outlined and are shown to be supportive of the automation of the manufacturing industry. The effects of computerized manufacturing on the labour force is disastrous, putting more and more people out of work. This effect is creating a socio-economic situation in which what is produced by computer-controlled robots has no market in which to be sold; potential buyers will be deprived of jobs and incomes and thus the money with which to purchase the manufactured goods. |