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PROBLEM STATEMENT
California Future of Work Commission
Convening 5 | January 16, 2020
The overarching goal of the California Future of Work Commission is to develop a new social compact for
California workers, based on an expansive vision of economic equity.
California boasts a strong economy by most measures of
growth and employment and has been at the center of driving
many of the world’s innovations. However, many Californians
have experienced stagnating wages, and far too many are
in working poverty, working in low-wage jobs that earn too
little to support their families. In addition, some parts of
the state have fared less well than others. As a result, most
Californians have not enjoyed the benets from the state’s
broader economic success and the extraordinary wealth it
has generated.
Technological change is an important driver of changes in
work and employment, as developments in automation,
articial intelligence (AI) and robotics create new possibilities,
while also reshaping the way we work and replacing some
jobs that exist today. Technological change, though, is only
one of several critical factors that will change the nature
of work in California in coming decades. Others include
changes in the structure of the economy, sector mix, changing
demographics and the impact of climate change, as well
as the costs of basics, including housing, healthcare and
transport, that aect where people live and work.
The Commission views these challenges as an opportunity
for California to muster its immense talent, resources, and
innovation to truly create a California For All. The eects of
economic and technological change are not predetermined
or inevitable. Policies, laws, and norms will shape how these
changes play out, who benets, and whether certain segments
are disproportionately harmed by economic and technological
disruptions. Large corporations, many of whom have beneted
from California’s growth, must play a central role in the new
compact by demonstrating a commitment to quality jobs and
recognizing workers as major stakeholders in their industries
and wider communities. Small and medium sized businesses
have a role to play as well, but many are battling low margins
and little ability to do better by their employees, let alone their
communities and the environment. Supporting the growth of
quality jobs must include support for SMBs as well.
As the economy transforms, we must also adapt, update, and
implement new policies alongside it. We can make choices
that shape how technological developments like automation
and articial intelligence can be used to improve the quality
of jobs, not simply replace them. We can responsibly harness
new technologies to promote equity, economic mobility and
inclusion rather than exacerbating inequality, and protect
both consumers and workers as unprecedented amounts of
data contribute to improved services and productivity but
also expose them to new risks. Our goal is not to preserve
the status quo but open up new opportunities for those
who’ve been left behind due to discrimination, poor economic
circumstances, or various types of disabilities.
In developing a vision for how work and jobs will benet all
Californians in the future, the Commission will chart a path
to reaching that vision. The Commission represents multiple
sectors of California and brings both depth and breadth
of perspective to this critical work. Its recommendations
will parallel that range of knowledge, understanding and
expertise and cover a range of sectors, including state
and local government, the private sector, labor and worker
organizations, philanthropy, and education, among others.
California is not just ground zero for the economic and
technological changes reshaping work, it is also home to
many leading industries from technology to agriculture to
entertainment as well as one of the best university systems—
and workforces—in the world. Those assets, coupled with the
state’s leadership in setting workplace standards, positions
California to lead the nation again on a dening challenge of
our time.
The Commission brings this spirit of possibility and promise
to shape the future of work. We are not passive bystanders
to the future. We have agency to support the Governor and
the state in building a high road economy that delivers quality
jobs for all Californians and, in doing so, promotes equity
and revives economic mobility and the California Dream for
generations to come.
Note: This is a draft working document of the Commission and does not represent nal conclusions or recommendations.
The Commission may continue to rene and iterate this document as it continues to conduct its work.