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.

In Some States, Foreign Trade Means Jobs

As jobs continue to leave the US Midwest, a few winners emerge
Timothy Aeppel
September 21, 2004

Nagging Doubts About the Benefits of Globalization, and a Look at the Evidence

The outsourcing discussion continues, as academics debate the effects of offshoring jobs
September 20, 2004

Budapest, the Next Bangalore? New EU Members Join the Outsourcing Race

Countries in central and eastern Europe are trying to catch up with India as providers of back-office and service staff for multinationals
Stefan Wagstyl
September 21, 2004

Strike Threatens Nigeria's Oil Production

Union in world's seventh-biggest exporter says it will shut down supplies if police harass protesters
Rory Carroll
October 14, 2004

Most Transport Workers Yet to Unionize

ITF meeting reveals weaknesses in Indonesian labor movement
Ridwan Max Sijabat
September 2, 2004