Cross-Trained Labor: Perspectives on OR Models

We examine worker cross-training and some of the recent efforts to model it. We do this through the lenses of industrial cases, the modeling process itself, and ethics. The use of labor since the late 1800’s sheds light on current reactions of labor and management to cross-training. We suggest that analysts should consider the potential impacts of cross-training models on workers and describe both negative and positive impacts. These models have limits; while efficacious for strategic modeling, they do not address how workers might respond to cross-training. Both management and labor can be served by cross-training when it is efficient, improves the work environment, and develops the workers ’ skills. We make suggestions for the responsible research and implementation of novel cross-training approaches