A discussion paper based on the report: North American labor markets—A comparative profile

Abstract

The comparative labor profile is meant to serve as an statistical handbook of comparable labor market data for the three North American countries. The aim is to promote a broader understanding of labor market behavior in this economic region. The different economic and social environments in Canada, Mexico and the United States are reflected in the evolution of each country labor market. In general, labor markets in Canada and the United States show many similarities, whereas Mexico's labor market is often different. However, despite some notable differences, labor market trends in all three countries are similar in many respects, and trends transcend national borders. Among these similar trends are the substantial increase of female in the labor force; employment shares have shifted from primary and industry sectors to service sector; the growth of non standard employment (part-time and temporary work); a larger proportion of people working either shorter or longer hours; a large share of people have jobs lasting for one year or less; the proportion of unemployed workers because of economic reasons increased; labor productivity has growth at a higher rate than real earnings; there is a wide dispersion of earnings among sectors and workers, and wages for more skilled workers have increased at a higher rate than those unskilled workers.