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.

Global Hot Spots

Expanding a global supply chain requires good timing
Adrienne Selko
August 2, 2007

In Ecuador’s Banana Fields, Child Labor is Key to Profits

Child labor, foreign discount distributors, and a political bounder converge in Ecuador, where bananas for export are the key to survival and strife.
Juan Forero
July 13, 2002

In Ukraine, Illegal Mines Beckon the Jobless

Capitalism brings hard times for miners
Andrew Matheny
June 21, 2007

A Lesson That Thomas Could Teach

Mistakes by suppliers can damage a company’s image
David Leonhardt
June 29, 2007

At IBM, A Smarter Way to Outsource

By specializing and striving to understand a client's business, one firm gains a competitive advantage
Steve Lohr
July 5, 2007