U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn Representative for Iowa's 3rd District | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn Representative for Iowa's 3rd District | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Representatives Zach Nunn of Iowa and Don Davis of North Carolina have introduced new bipartisan legislation aimed at safeguarding jobs in Iowa amid the growing influence of automation in the workforce. The proposed Workforce DATA Act mandates that the U.S. Department of Labor devise a strategy to ensure that automation serves as an aid rather than a threat to employment.
Rep. Nunn emphasized, “Technological advancement is good for society, and if done right, will make all of our lives easier. At the same time, we must ensure that workforce changes don’t eliminate good paying jobs that Iowans rely on.” He further noted that the act aims to use automation as a tool for enhancing productivity without replacing skilled American workers.
A recent report by Goldman Sachs highlighted the potential economic benefits of artificial intelligence (AI), suggesting it could increase global GDP by 7 percent over ten years. However, research from Pew indicates that about 20% of workers hold high-exposure jobs vulnerable to displacement if these issues remain unaddressed.
The Workforce DATA Act seeks to mitigate these risks by requiring the Department of Labor to develop measures for preventing job loss and promoting job creation and retention amid changing skill demands due to automation. An advisory board will be established under this act, ensuring input from state governments, labor organizations, companies, and non-profits.
Rep. Davis remarked on the significance of this initiative: “At the end of the day, a job is about more than a paycheck.” He pointed out that many workers in his district are particularly susceptible to labor market shifts due to automation and stressed the need for understanding how such changes affect human-to-automated labor ratios.
Specifically, the Workforce DATA Act calls for:
- A comprehensive study on workforce automation impacts using Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
- Publication of an impact plan within two years post-enactment.
- Formation of an advisory board comprising diverse stakeholders.
Greg Regan from the Transportation Trades Department praised this legislative effort: "To ensure new transportation technologies align with our national workforce needs...the Workforce DATA Act would be an invaluable tool."
The bill has also been introduced in the Senate by Senators Gary Peters and Todd Young.
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