Jun 17, 2022

Port unions and tech changes have a long, sometimes contentious history

A ferry passes the Port of Los Angeles. Neighborhoods surrounding the port have suffered from pollution linked to transporting massive volumes of goods. Mario Tama via Getty Images

As supply chain issues linger, ports on the West Coast are in the middle of renegotiating labor contracts with the union that represents dock workers. One major talking point: automation. It's part of a length history of dock workers being wary of tech innovations that could threaten jobs. We look at how renewable energy is becoming more available in Texas, but faces an infrastructure in need of an update.

Segments From this episode

Port unions have long bargained over disruptive innovations

by Meghan McCarty Carino

Jun 17, 2022

The introduction of shipping containers half a century ago revolutionized the industry, and union strategy.

The shipping container was invented in 1956, and ended up changing the landscape of the industry.

Stephen Chernin/Getty Images

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Texas has more sources of renewable power, but needs to update infrastructure to get it to homes

by Andy Uhler

Jun 17, 2022

The answer is to build more transmission lines, so that customers can see the benefit, in the form of cheaper utility bills.

Blades from a wind turbine rotate in a field, April 16, 2021 near Eldorado, Texas.

SERGIO FLORES/AFP via Getty Images

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The team

David Brancaccio Host

Victoria Craig Host, BBC

Stephen Ryan Senior Producer, BBC

Jonathan Frewin Producer, BBC

Jay Siebold Technical Director

Meredith Garretson Morbey Senior Producer

Alex Schroeder Producer

Erika Soderstrom Producer

Rose Conlon Producer

Redmond Carolipio Digital Producer

Ariana Rosas Producer

Jarrett Dang Digital Producer (gone fishing)

Jesson Duller Media Producer

Brian Allison Technical Director

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