The impact of industrial relocation on displaced workers: A case study of Cortland, New York

The increasing globalization of production and its intensification through trade liberalization schemes create challenges for local economic development. On July 21, 1992, the Smith-Corona Corporation announced its decision to transfer its manufacturing ope rations from Cortland, New York, to Tijuana, Mexico. The resulting worker dislocation led to a more flexible labor market, but at the expense of workers ' (particularly women's) security. In addition, dislocated workers experienced significant income losses and increasing wage inequality, even after receiving additional training. Finally, programs functioning at the state level were useful for workers, but the article shows that a greater awareness of the gender dimensions of training is necessary.