1959 Highlander Way · New Market, TN 37820 · phone: (865) 933-3443 · fax: (865) 933-3424
e-mail: hrec@highlandercenter.org

There is a growing gap in the distribution of wealth available to the rich and the poor, both nationally and internationally. Many wealthy individuals and companies promote systematic changes that increase their wealth while pushing low-income people, communities, and governments further and further into poverty. Fewer and fewer people are needed for production work as automated systems in factories, offices, banks and stores reduce the need for employees. Workers’ wages have declined or remained stagnant, not growing with increases in production. Industrial jobs in the United States are leaving the country while lower-paying service jobs with fewer benefits take their place. Employers are using global competition to lower wages and to intimidate workers who try to organize to improve their conditions.

Policies of structural adjustment and decreasing taxes on corporations and the wealthy are lowering government tax revenues, resulting in less access to social services and decreased government power. Corporations increased their influence over governments through campaign contributions, paid lobbyists and pushing through international trade policies to protect corporate interests. Corporations continue to seek increased profits through public subsidies and through the privatization of public services. The resources below promote understanding of corporate practices and economic policies in our communities, countries and across the world, and give us ideas about how to create a more positive future by working on all of these levels.

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