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.

Painful Truth of the Call Centre Cyber Coolies

Are call centers in India all they’re cracked up to be?
Amelia Gentleman
October 31, 2005

Cracks in the Social Net

For residents of Kannapolis, unemployment is as American as apple pie
Alexander Osang
October 13, 2005

US Labor Is in Retreat as Global Forces Squeeze Pay and Benefits

Faced with global competition, US companies are asking their employees to accept lower pay
David Streitfeld
October 19, 2005

Workers' Protest Spurs Arab Emirates to Act

Many residents of Dubai are migrant workers who labor under miserable conditions. Some of them have had enough
Hassan M. Fattah
September 25, 2005

Ford Looks Abroad for Half of Parts

Move to low-cost countries in five years will mean more changes for US, European workers
Daniel Howes
September 14, 2005