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 West Is Teeming with Africans Doing Odd Jobs Because Our Leaders Can’t Provide Vision or Hope

Ongoing emigration, legal and illegal, gradually weakens African countries
Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem
May 31, 2006

China’s Union Push Leaves Wal-Mart With Hard Choice

To accomplish goals in China, Wal-Mart might have to break its longstanding rule that bars unions
Mei Fong
May 16, 2006

Why the Globalization Fund is a Bad Idea

Fund creates an insurance policy rather than attacking root problems
Arnaldo Abruzzini
June 3, 2005

Does a Growing Worker Shortage Threaten China's Low-Cost Advantage?

Yet urban centers have little use for unskilled workers from villages
May 15, 2006

With Jobs Scarce, US Pilots Sign on at Foreign Airlines

Lacking training facilities, global airlines pay premium prices to US pilots
Susan Carey
May 24, 2006