Welcome
The New Industrial Revolution
America is experiencing the onset of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The preceding three revolutions were driven by steam, electricity, and the computer, respectively, and while each one was disruptive, they all resulted in great leaps forward for the human condition. Consequently, many knowledgeable observers of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is being driven by the Internet and Generative Artificial Intelligence, have been sanguine about the ultimate impact of this new generation of technology on the human condition. Dr. Jim Castagnera is not sanguine at all. Rather, it is his opinion that GenAI (in combination with the anti-labor sentiment of an authoritarian elite) will be qualitatively and quantitatively far more disruptive than steam, electricity, or even computers. The revolution is changing how we work, how we value or disrespect work, and whether we will work at all.
About Dr. Castagnera
Dr. James Ottavio Castagnera holds an M.A. in Journalism from Kent State University, and a J.D. and Ph.D. (American Studies) from Case Western Reserve University. He worked 10 years as a labor, employment, and intellectual-property attorney with Saul Ewing, a major law firm headquartered in Philadelphia, and 23 years as the associate provost & legal counsel for academic affairs at Rider University, where in 2018 he received the university’s highest annual award for distinguished service. He also did stints as a full-time law professor at UT-Austin and Widener University Law School, and as an adjunct professor of law at Drexel University. Having retired from Rider in 2019, he now devotes his time to writing about work and education. He is the author or a co-author of a total of 28 books. He writes a monthly “Labor Pulse” article for the Labor & Employment Law Daily and co-edits “I Am Not Content: A Critique of AI in the Arts and Education” on Substack.
What I Have To Offer
The author or co-author of 28 books, I am a nationally recognized expert on the history, current status, and future of labor and employment. I understand that work is not just the way we “make a living.” It's also the backbone of the middle class, which in turn is the backbone of our democracy. Most Americans’ identities are inseparable from their occupations, trades, professions and careers. The books and newsletters available on this website
explain the legal and regulatory frameworks of human resources that support our democracy, our economy, and our society
trace the history and take the pulse of the American workforce, and map the future landscape of the world of work
explain the role and predict the future significance of the American education establishment to the future of "work"
track and analyze the disruptive power of Generative Artificial Intelligence, in league with automation and the Internet, on the careers, professions and trades of working Americans
provide prescriptive guidance for meeting the challenges posed to individuals and organized labor by technology, wealth disparity, and political regression
I have a breadth and depth of knowledge, and aim to be your critical resource in an environment polluted by misinformation, disinformation, and the cheerfully tone-deaf predictions of an authoritarian elite that is indifferent to the dignity of work and the rule of law. In addition to the many resources on this website, I am also available for consulting services and speaking engagements.
Testimonials…
“It has been a pleasure working with Jim Castagnera on a variety of legal writing and analysis projects for us at Wolters Kluwer, including the Employment Law Answer Book, monthly Labor Pulse articles, Cannabis Employment Law Compare, and more. Jim has deep understanding and experience in labor and employment law and he shares that practical knowledge through his excellent writing for the benefit of our law firm and corporate customers. Always the consummate professional, Jim delivers, on time and with quality, every time.”
-Joe Gornick, Product Manager, Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S.
“I have worked with Dr. Castagnera for almost 20 years on the Thomson Reuters publications for which he provides both original content and updated materials, including Termination of Employment, Termination of Employment Bulletin and HR Series: Policies and Practices. His experience and knowledge in areas of human resource, labor and employment law allow him to provide Thomson Reuters and our customers with on-point, accurate, current and relevant information. His submissions are timely, thorough and well-written. Dr. Castagnera is very responsive to questions, and takes great pride in both good work and good working relationships.”
-Elaine Marie Tomko-DeLuca, Principal Attorney Editor, Thomson Reuters
“Again, thank you so much. You did a terrific job with the course. I've come across a lot of teachers, but in all sincerity, I think you've been the best one. I learned so much more than I expected to and now I have the confidence that I can hang in this kind of law school environment surrounded by highly-intelligent people.”
-Graduate Student, Drexel University
“Hey, Dr. C! We owe you much thanks, as you’ve become one of our most highly valued partners. I greatly appreciate every opportunity to work with you and am looking forward to many more.”
-Ty Pernsley, Manager, Premier Learning Solutions
“I wanted to thank you so much for speaking to our group on Monday. I think you gave some great conversation points for boards as they bring the workforce and volunteers back.”
-Sarah Lauritzen, Program Logistics Coordinator. Nonprofit Management Center, Midland, Texas
“Dr. Castagnera is an exceptionally good speaker. He is very knowledgeable, identified all of the relevant issues, and whenever necessary indicated that the law is unsettled or in a state of flux.”
- David Friedman, United States Postal Service, New York City