Sustainable Supply Chain

From Panama to AI: Workers' Impact on the Evolving Supply Chain

May 01, 2023 Tom Raftery Season 1 Episode 314
Sustainable Supply Chain
From Panama to AI: Workers' Impact on the Evolving Supply Chain
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Show Notes Transcript

UPDATE: An earlier version of this episode had the wrong audio file attached (only 12 seconds long). Thanks to listener Dr Marcell Vollmer for alerting me. I have uploaded the correct audio file now. Apologies to all who got the wrong file.

Hey everyone, Tom Raftery here, and I'm excited to share the latest episode of my Digital Supply Chain podcast. In this special May 1st episode, we're celebrating International Workers' Day by exploring the crucial role of workers in the supply chain industry, their invaluable contributions, and the ongoing pursuit of equality, fairness, and improved working conditions.

In this episode, we delve into fascinating stories from the past and present, including:

🔹 The construction of the Panama Canal and its impact on global trade
🔹 The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and the birth of labor rights activism
🔹 The Luddite movement and the challenges posed by technological advancements

Throughout the episode, we'll also touch upon the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which provide a global blueprint for a more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable future.

Join me as we embark on a journey through the stories and milestones that have shaped the experiences of supply chain workers around the world. Let's celebrate their resilience, honor their accomplishments, and explore the ways we can all contribute to a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone.

As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Reach out to me on social media or leave a comment on my website.

Together, let's continue to make a difference in the world of supply chain management.

Happy International Workers' Day!

Tom

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Tom Raftery:

Good morning, good afternoon, or good evening, wherever you are in the world. This is the Digital Supply Chain podcast, the number one podcast focusing on the digitization of supply chain, and I'm your host, Tom Raftery. Hi everyone. And welcome to episode 314 of the digital supply chain podcast, where we explore the latest trends, technologies, and stories, shaping the world of logistics and supply chain management. I'm your host, Tom Raftery. And today we have a special May 1st episode in honor of international workers' day. In this episode, we'll delve into the role of workers in the supply chain, reflecting on their invaluable contributions and the ongoing pursuit of equality, fairness, and improved working conditions. We lots of touch on the United nations, sustainable development goals, which provide a global blueprint for a more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable future. As we celebrate the achievements of the working class and the labor movement, let's recognize the tireless efforts of the people who keep our supply chains running smoothly from factory workers and truck drivers, to warehouse employees and delivery personnel. These individuals are the backbone of the global economy, ensuring that our goods and services reach their destinations efficiently and sustainably. Throughout history workers have faced numerous challenges in their quest for fair treatment, safety and better working conditions. Today we continue to strive for a world where no one is left behind embracing the ideals of the UN sustainability development goals and working together to create a more just inclusive and equitable supply chain industry. Join me today, as we embark on a journey through the stories and milestones that have shaped the experiences of supply chain workers around the world. Let's celebrate the resilience honor and accomplishments and explore the ways we can all contribute to a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone. Our first story takes us back to the early 20th century to the construction of the Panama canal. An engineering, Marvel that forever changed landscape of global trade. This monumental project, not only demonstrated the power of human ingenuity, but also highlighted the crucial role of workers in shaping and operating the supply chain. The idea of constructing a canal that would connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans have been entertained for centuries. However, it wasn't until the early 19 hundreds that the United States undertook the ambitious task of building the Panama canal. The project faced numerous challenges, including tropical diseases, difficult to terrain and the sheer scale of the endeavor. Tens of thousands of workers from various countries came together to make this dream. Our reality. These men and women braved harsh conditions, putting their lives on the line to complete the 50 mile long waterway. Many of them were immigrants seeking better opportunities and striving to create a better life for themselves and their families. After a decade of hard work, the canal was finally completed in 1914. The canal, significantly shortened shipping routes between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans revolution, revolutionizing global trade and logistics. Today, over a century later, the Panama canal remains a Testament to the resilience, determination, and skill. Of the workers who built it. As we reflect on the story of the Panama canal. Let's remember the countless individuals who have dedicated their lives to shaping the global supply chain. The reference often carried out behind the scenes, have a profound impact on the world. We live in. By recognizing their contributions and advocating for equality, fairness, and improved working conditions, we can help build a more inclusive and sustainable supply chain that benefits everyone. Our next story about supply chain talks about the triangle Shirtwaist factory fire. A tragic event that forever changed the landscape of labor rights and worker safety. The triangle Shirtwaist factory located in New York was a bustling garment factory in the early 20th century. On the 25th of March, 1911. Uh, fire broke out on the factories, top floors in golfing, the building and flames. With inadequate safety measures in place, and many exits locked to prevent workers from taking on authorized breaks. 146 workers, mostly young immigrant women perished in the fire. The devastating loss of life in the triangle Shirtwaist factory fire expose the dangerous working conditions that were prevalent in factories during the time. Public outcry over the tragedy prompted a surge of activism aimed at improving labor rights and working conditions. It led to the formation of the international ladies, garment workers union, which played a pivotal role in advocating for. Safer workplaces, fair wages and better treatment for garment workers. The legacy of the fire can still be felt today. The tragedy served as a catalyst for the establishment of workplace safety regulations and labor laws that protect workers across various industries, including the supply chain. As we continue to strive for fairness and equality in the workplace. It's essential to remember the lessons of the past and ensure that every worker is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. And then our final story in this episode, we'll talk about. The challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements in the supply chain industry, which has happened for as long as we can remember. And has echoes today because throughout our history, new technologies have revolutionized the way we work often raising concerns about job displacement. And the need for worker retraining. The most obvious example of this is the Luddite movement in the early 19th century. During the industrial revolution, skilled textile workers in England found themselves facing an uncertain future with the introduction of mechanized looms. These machines threatened to replace their jobs, leading to a wave of protest and sabotage attempts. But these so-called Luddites. Though the Luddite movement ultimately failed to hold the progress of technology. It did highlight the potential consequences of automation on the workforce. Similarly today, we find ourselves in the, in the same situation. As advanced technologies like AI, robotics, and IOT. Reshaped the supply chain industry. These innovations have the potential to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and create new opportunities for growth. However, they also raise valid concerns about the impact on employment and the need to retrain and re-skill workers to adapt to these changes. By fostering a culture. By fostering a culture of lifelong learning and investing in workforce development. We can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in our rapidly evolving supply chain industry. As we move forward, it's crucial to strike a balance between embracing the potential of technology. And protecting the rights and welfare of workers. By fostering collaboration between employers, labor, unions, and policymakers, we can create a more inclusive and sustainable supply chain that benefits everyone. As we conclude this special May 1st episode of the digital supply chain podcast. Let's take a moment to reflect on the themes we've explored today. The resilience of supply chain workers. The pursuit of labor rights and the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements. The stories I've shared, remind us that supply chain industry is built on the hard work and dedication of countless individuals who keep our supply chain running. They are the unsung heroes of our modern world and their efforts deserve recognition and appreciation. In the spirit of international workers' day, let's commit to fostering a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable supply chain industry. Uh, by embracing the ideals of the United nations, sustainable development goals, we can work together to create a world that ensures prosperity, fairness and opportunities for all. As we move forward. Let's remember the lessons of the past. Celebrate the achievements of the present and strive to build a brighter future for everyone involved in the supply chain. Let's honor the resilience and determination of workers around the world and continue to advocate for their rights and wellbeing. Thank you for joining me in this journey through the stories and milestones that have shaped the experiences of supply chain workers. I hope you found inspiration and insight in today's episode. I look forward to exploring more exciting topics with you in future episodes of this digital supply chain podcast. I'm Tom Raftery. And this has been the digital supply chain podcast. Until the next time. Take care. And keep making a difference. Okay, we've come to the end of the show. Thanks everyone for listening. If you'd like to know more about digital supply chains, simply drop me an email to TomRaftery@outlook.com If you like the show, please don't forget to click Follow on it in your podcast application of choice to be sure to get new episodes as soon as they're published Also, please don't forget to rate and review the podcast. It really does help new people to find a show. Thanks, catch you all next time.

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