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.

A Race to the Top

"This is a bad time for France and friends to lose their appetite for hard work," writes Thomas Friedman
Thomas L. Friedman
June 3, 2005

Getting Greyer – and Poorer Too?

In rich and poor countries alike, governments need to find a way to keep retirees out of poverty without breaking the budget
May 31, 2005

A French Region Considers the Costs of a New Europe

A factory's decision to move its production to Romania has intensified tensions regarding the EU constitution
Craig S. Smith
May 18, 2005

Onshore Outsourcing: Made in America

An alternative to offshoring, "insourcing" IT work to smaller US cities is still cheap and helps American workers
Paul McDougall
May 11, 2005

A Global Alliance Against Forced Labor

International Labor Organization (ILO) report examines the worldwide scope of forced labor – and provides possible solutions
May 12, 2005