Discussions about the future of work have focused on the idea that technology will soon reduce or alter the need for human labor in many occupations. Has this conventional narrative failed to focus on the key challenges facing workers today and in the future?

Osterman will offer a perspective on these discussions, and how they relate to the need to address the challenge of a large—and seemingly persistent—low wage labor market. He will assess a range of strategies for addressing the challenge of low wages, and make the case for a greater focus on training and human capital approaches than has been typical in the progressive policy toolkit.