Employment
Offshore Outsourcing: American Competitiveness and the 50+ Worker
Research Report
March 2004
AARP Global Aging Program Idea Exchange Series
AARP Headquarters
601 E Street, NW
Washington, D.C.
The issue of offshore outsourcing has become particularly heated, with many politicians, news commentators and others debating the pros and cons of this increasing and highly visible trend in today's workplace. But offshore outsourcing is not a binary debate - instead it is a topic that has implications on a wide range of issues, including productivity, tax credits and incentives, and the escalating cost of fringe benefits. And many argue that offshore outsourcing is the tip of the larger issue of American competitiveness.
Offshore outsourcing also has huge implications for incumbent workers 50 and over whose skills have atrophied. What do we do with these workers once they are unemployed? Can we better prevent unemployment by offering continuous training opportunities? And what roles should companies play in re-training and educating workers? The program provides a brief overview and update on the outsourcing debate, and address the key issues that affect workers impacted by outsourcing.
Program / Speakers
Dr. Catherine Mann, Senior Fellow,
Institute for International Economics
Mr. Bruce Mehlman, Executive Director,
Computer Systems Policy Project
Ms. Thea Lee, Assistant Director for International Economics,
AFL-CIO
Moderated by:
Ms. Julie Kosterlitz, Staff Correspondent,
National Journal
Resources
Computer Systems Policy Project
Institute for International Economics