Mar 4, 2019 at 6:03 AM

Stoking fear of robots has an ulterior goal

Re: Feb. 26 article, "Automation fears pop up in Texas House hearing on minimum wage bills."

By stoking fears of automation, Texas Republicans are only working to ensure wealthy business owners continue to profit off low-paid workers. Automation is already happening — ask Detroit autoworkers.

Business owners, egged on by large shareholders, will continue to automate for cost-savings, just as they sent jobs overseas years ago. Like Republicans, CEOs and financiers know robots don't demand health care, sick leave, a minimum wage or rights. Slavery is good for business.

If Texas Republicans cared at all about workers, they'd require CEOs to give them sick leave and pay them a living wage — at a minimum.

William Pate, Austin

William Pate

Letters to the editor: March 3, 2019