Workforce Data for Analyzing and Tracking Automation Act of 2023 Workforce DATA Act
The bill, once enacted, is projected to significantly influence state laws related to workforce development. The Secretary of Labor is tasked with submitting a detailed report to Congress within two years of the bill's enactment, outlining the study's results. This structured approach aims to gather vital data that showcases how different industry sectors are affected by automation. Therefore, the bill intends to equip policymakers with actionable insights that can shape future labor policies, ensuring they remain relevant and effective in addressing changes brought about by technological advancements.
SB2138, known as the Workforce Data for Analyzing and Tracking Automation Act of 2023, mandates the Secretary of Labor to orchestrate initiatives focused on understanding the ramifications of automation on the workforce. The crux of the bill lies in its requirement for a comprehensive study conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. This study aims to measure aspects such as job creation, displacement, retention, and shifts in skill demand due to automation, which is increasingly relevant in today's technological landscape. The findings from this study are expected to inform workforce development strategies moving forward.
Debate might arise regarding the bill's potential to prompt governmental overreach in labor market interventions. Critics could argue that a centralized approach to workforce data and its interpretations may not reflect localized workforce needs, potentially undermining regional labor markets. Supporters of the bill, however, contend that by collecting extensive data and involving diverse stakeholders through an established advisory board, it can lead to more equitable workforce policies that support both labor organizations and businesses adapting to an automated workplace.