From May Day to Labor Day, we explore the human cost of what’s been called a “race to the bottom.” The hyper-accelerated movement of capital, jobs and resources from the world’s corporations — manufacturing, agriculture and service — to the lowest bidder. In an era of diminished expectations, broken promises and sleight of hand, these are labor stories of governments, employers, unions and workers.

This Special Report, produced by The GroundTruth Project, appeared on GlobalPost.com in 2012.