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.

The Secret World of Modern Slavery

Major companies shrug and overlook dangerous unpaid labor that goes into supplies
Michael Smith
March 14, 2007

Turning Globalization on Its Head

European firms send staff to India to prepare for the global economy and to attract foreign investment
April 4, 2007

AFL-CIO Jumps Into Protests

Its focus broadening, the AFL-CIO steps up its participation in protests against the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.
September 11, 2001

In New York Tickets, Ghana Sees Orderly City

Law breakers in New York create jobs for Ghanaians employed by Data Management Internationale, an information technology business contracted by New York City to process environmental violation tickets.
Robert F. Worth
July 22, 2002

Freeze on Thai Labour Going to Gaza Strip

Thailand’s Foreign and Labor Ministries seek to ban the placement of Thai workers in Israel’s violence-ridden areas.
December 4, 2002