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Prime Policy Group and Littler Stress Importance of Transformative Technologies in Comments on Department of Labor’s Strategic Plan

Washington, DC: Prime Policy Group and Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute and Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Automation industry group were pleased to submit comments to the Department of Labor (DOL) regarding the department’s draft strategic plan. The comments highlighted the importance of governmental and private sector cooperation in addressing how transformative technologies, such as AI, robotics and other automated systems, will affect the American workplace, as well as the importance of providing American workers with the skills necessary to compete."Given the rise of AI, robotics and other automated systems, as well as the significant implications for the workplace and labor market, we believe the final DOL strategic plan should affirmatively address the workforce implications of these technological changes," said Michael Lotito, co-chair of Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute. "The DOL has a unique opportunity to help America prepare for these changes and provide American workers with the vehicles to ensure their robust participation in the workforce of tomorrow which began yesterday."With deep experience assisting and advising companies that are key players in the development and use of these technologies, as well as the industries that will be most affected by them, Prime and Littler bring unique perspectives to this issue.In response to the DOL’s draft Fiscal Years 2018-2022 Strategic Plan, Littler and Prime assert that AI and automated technologies have already irrevocably altered the global economy, and government and industry must ensure that the current and future workforce are well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities they present. Littler and Prime’s suggestions include creating a sustainable pipeline of workers trained in automated systems; focusing Employment and Training Administration resources on programs relating to automated systems; and modernizing how the DOL addresses automated systems.Charlie Black, Chairman of Prime Policy Group, noted that while workplace change was inevitable “how well government and the private sector cooperate to adapt to these changes will largely determine the success of America’s transition to an increasingly technology-dominant world.”About Prime Policy GroupWe solve problems and build brands with policy expertise, strategic relationships, and respected capabilities in Washington and around the world.We have earned a unique reputation for shaping public affairs. We pioneered the bipartisan approach to problem solving, just as we were among the first firms to develop an international footprint to tackle issues in the global marketplace.Today, with a team of political, legislative and regulatory experts are trusted counselors to corporations, associations, domestic and foreign governments, and political candidates. Working together, we overcome the most challenging obstacles to influence outcomes, create opportunities and achieve policy objectives on behalf of our clients.Uniquely Prime. Inside and outside the beltway.About LittlerLittler is the largest global employment and labor law practice, with more than 1,300 attorneys in over 75 offices worldwide. Littler represents management in all aspects of employment and labor law and serves as a single-source solution provider to the global employer community. Consistently recognized in the industry as a leading and innovative law practice, Littler has been litigating, mediating and negotiating some of the most influential employment law cases and labor contracts on record for 75 years.About Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute®WPI™ engages with Congress, the executive branch and the courts on critical employment, labor and benefits issues. Created to be an effective resource for the employer community to engage in legislative and regulatory developments that impact their workplaces and business strategies, WPI harnesses the deep subject-matter knowledge of Littler to ensure that policymakers in Washington and around the country hear the voice of employers.About Littler’s Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Automation Practice GroupAttorneys in Littler’s Robotics, AI, and Automation Practice Group regularly advise employers in the technology sector and employers that are integrating technological advances into their workplaces to help them navigate the complex and evolving terrain of employment and labor law.###