The Changing North Carolina Workplace

For the previous several decades NC has witnessed a decline in its traditional manufacturing sector as semi-skilled jobs were moved offshore. However, in recent years there has been a resurgence in this sector, but one that is concentrated upon high value- added products that employ skilled workers. Combined with changes in agriculture associated with the development of mass production techniques in hog and poultry farming, plus the growth of specialty goods such as grapes for wine, rural NC has undergone significant changes. This article discusses the changing employment situation in the state, highlighting the skills mismatch that is occurring and how some, mainly foreign owned companies are attempting to deal with this and in doing so challenging extant US labor market policies.