For Man Must Work - Or the End of Work on AllMovie

In the 19th century at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, many laborers started working at the age of eight or nine, and worked 12-14 hour days, seven days a week. While the eight-hour day, the 40-hour week, and child labor laws lessoned the worker's burden, these reforms offered no guarantee of long-term employment. For Man Must Work examines the increasingly volatile global economy and the worker's position in it. From Nova Scotia, Canada, to Lorraine, France, technology has eliminated numerous jobs in the coal, steel, and other industries. Textiles and electronic industries in the United States have relocated to Mexico, the Philippines, and China where labor can be purchased for as little as $3.20 per day. As full-time jobs became rare, employment brokers like Manpower also play a significant role in matching workers to available positions. For Man Must Work contemplates the displacement and social repercussions of globalization through multiple interviews with experts and laborers.