Flat Rock, United States

DETROIT, the once-thriving capital of the US car industry, has seen most of its jobs move overseas, leaving the remaining workers at the "Big Three" car plants wondering about the future. As the jobs have vanished so have the security and benefits they once offered that helped make the American middle class the engine of the world economy.

When Janet Parker, 46, learned she would be hired by Ford, she was sure it meant the start of a worry-free working life. Eight years later, she is disillusioned. "Things have changed for the worse," said Ms Parker, who works in a plant building axles and is still not entitled to employee benefits.