Labor

Why is it sometimes cheaper for U.S. consumers to buy goods from China than from local vendors?

Well, not an employee, for starters. But to really understand the word and its implications, we have to look back to 19th-century labor law.

"Dasher," "tasker," "driver-partner." How companies pick worker nicknames that reflect the argument that workers are contractors, not employees.

Some Chinese couples aren't interested in having more than one child, while unmarried woman aren't allowed to have children at all.

When your work is a gig instead of a job, you have fewer protections and benefits.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics would categorize Steve’s job as “production, transportation, and material moving” along with butchers, sewing machine operators and furniture makers, to name a few. One in 10 workers in the U.S. labor force are in this category.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics would categorize Rocio’s job most broadly as “natural resources, construction and maintenance occupations.” One in 10 workers work jobs in that category.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics would categorize his occupation under "management, professional, and related occupations," along with four in 10 US workers.

Kate's work is part of the "Sales and Office Occupations," category, like 20% of the U.S. labor force. She has an associate's degree.

Gaile is part of the sales industry and works part time. She's part of the largest growing segment of workers — those over 55.