The study by AlixPartners estimates that the cost of outsourcing manufacturing labor to China will catch up to the labor costs in the U.S. by 2015.
Pennsylvania state law sets the absolute maximum length of time you can receive state unemployment benefits at 26 weeks. However, some claimants won't qualify for 26 weeks of unemployment payments because of the wages earned in their base years.
You might be surprised to learn that Pennsylvania does not have any laws on the books specifically related to this area, except those pertaining to minors. Pennsylvania law requires that minors ages 14 to 17 must be given a meal or rest period of at least 30 minutes if they have worked five hours or more continuously. Although Pennsylvania does not have a lunch and break law for those persons 18 and over, there are applicable federal rules for Pennsylvania residents. While Federal Law does not mandate specific breaks or meal periods, it does give guidance as to whether or not an employee should be paid during these times.