Jobs are the lifeblood for national economies and family budgets. The search for economic opportunity often drives people to move around the globe. The most educated and highly skilled workers are in demand, and immigration policies often reflect that priority. Less skilled would-be immigrants, however, are often subject to tighter restrictions – even in nations where native citizens refuse to take on harvesting, construction, cleaning or other difficult tasks. Advanced technology reduces the need for labor; employers also rely on outsourcing, contract workers and the internet for digital work, including tax preparation, X-ray analysis or graphic design. Nations fiercely compete for jobs while multinational corporations reduce labor costs to increase profits.

Small and Smaller

Globalization has shrunk economic space for a third time
Thomas L. Friedman
March 4, 2004

Aussies Too Fire Broadside at Outsourcing

Across the Pacific, anger at the relocation of jobs
Kalinga Seneviratne
March 1, 2004

Outsourcing Is Becoming a Harder Sell in the U.S.

Even some company owners worried about offshoring's negative effects
Eduardo Porter
March 6, 2004

AFL-CIO Asks Penalties Against China

Low wages and bad working conditions in China are hurting US wages, charges labor group
Stephen Franklin
March 17, 2004

Big Pay Luring Military's Elite to Private Jobs

Soldiers for hire may harm military
Eric Schmitt
March 30, 2004