Bad policy, not robots, deter factory growth
The manufacturing sector gained 11,000 jobs in an otherwise unimpressive March for job growth, according to the latest employment data from the Labor Department. Over the past four months, manufacturing has added 67,000 jobs.
Said Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) President Scott Paul:
"We’ve seen slow and steady growth in factory jobs over the past four months, shaking off several years of stagnation in this sector.
“This boost in manufacturing isn’t impressive enough yet to reassure America’s working class that they haven’t been forgotten. But this progress in manufacturing jobs runs counter to the prevailing automation narrative.
"With stronger economic growth, a more balanced trade account, opportunities for training, and major investment in infrastructure, we can continue to add manufacturing jobs.
"Robots aren’t the enemy of factory workers; the absence of a manufacturing policy is. We look forward to working with the White House and Congress to create a better future for factory workers.”