Letter of the Day: Displaced workers

Displaced workers

EDITOR: Paul Krugman in his column on a permanent slump in the economy failed to identify automation as a primary cause for the lack of a recovery ("A permanent slump may be economic reality," Nov. 20).

Automation displaces workers and has increased dramatically in the past five years. When is the last time you talked to a real person on a customer service call? Employers can use automation 24/7, as demands require, without having to deal with employees and the associated costs, such as employment taxes, ever-increasing regulations, employee benefits and dealing with grievances and unions.

This trend, which has gone on for years (recall when an attendant would pump your gas), will only continue. The workers displaced must be directed toward occupations where employee needs still exist, such as in education, medical services and care for our ever-increasing number of elders. New regulations and taxes must be made employment-friendly.

HENRY SCHMID

Sonoma