U.S. tech firms are replacing workers with cheaper talent in Latin America

Latin American startups and tech companies are struggling to recruit and retain senior developers as U.S. firms outsource jobs to the region, offering higher salaries than local companies can match. Despite recent tech sector layoffs, experienced developers remain scarce, and Latin American startups are forced to become creative in hiring, such as training junior employees. The Covid-19 pandemic increased remote work opportunities for Latin American developers with U.S. companies, exacerbating the talent crunch for local startups. Salaries in Latin America lag significantly behind those in the U.S., with senior developers in Mexico and Argentina earning much less than their American counterparts. Some Latin American startups have benefited from the influx of available talent, but many still struggle to offer competitive salaries and resort to alternatives like stock options and company culture to attract employees.

They don’t see us as equals

The article reports on the ongoing protests in Peru following the attempted self-coup and removal of President Pedro Castillo. It details the police violence that has resulted in at least sixty deaths and numerous injuries, particularly among indigenous and rural Peruvians. The narrative captures the voices of protesters who feel marginalized and oppressed by the elite, and it highlights the harsh realities faced by those demonstrating against the government. The piece underscores the deep-seated social and political issues in Peru, with a focus on the human cost of the unrest.

The Catch Podcast Season 3

Season 3 of The Catch, a podcast by Foreign Policy, is set to explore the effects of Russia's war in Ukraine and climate change on the Arctic cod fisheries. Host Ruxandra Guidi will travel to northern Norway to engage with local fishers and processors who find themselves in a challenging situation due to geopolitical tensions and shifting fish migration patterns. Ruxandra Guidi is an experienced journalist with over two decades of storytelling in various formats and has reported extensively across the Americas and the U.S.-Mexico border region.

Five Months On, the Oil Spill’s Effects Linger

The article discusses the aftermath of an oil spill by Spanish oil company Repsol off the coast of Ancón, Peru, which the United Nations has called the worst environmental disaster in Peru's recent history. The spill has significantly affected the local fishing industry, with ports at a standstill and fishers unable to work. Repsol hired some fishers to clean up the spill, but they were poorly equipped and some report health issues. The Peruvian government has issued an indefinite fishing ban, impacting food security and livelihoods. Compensation efforts by Repsol have been sporadic and incomplete, with disagreements on the number of affected fishers due to informal fishing practices. The lack of coordination and transparency from the government and Repsol has caused community rifts, and some fishers are considering more extreme protest measures. Repsol did not comment on the situation.

How people buy, and how tech intervenes, around the globe

The article explores how technology is transforming purchasing behaviors across different regions globally. It highlights exclusive fitness studios in Peru offering remote experiences, the revival of sari interest in Pakistan through online marketplaces, and the challenges of Shariah-compliant e-commerce in Indonesia. It also covers the rise of e-commerce businesses in Colombia via social media, the use of Instagram for seafood delivery in Sri Lanka, and the impact of online meat delivery platforms in India. Additionally, it discusses the role of a small Kenyan airport in high-end electronics imports, the black market for dollars in Lebanon, the reliance on Facebook for baby formula in Vietnam, and the booming livestream e-commerce industry in China.

Financial Pandemic: For a refugee in crisis-hit Lebanon, even buying bread is a struggle

Zahwa Ashwah, a Palestinian refugee in Lebanon, faces severe hardships due to the country's financial crisis. Living in the Burj el Burajneh camp with her three adult children, Ashwah struggles to afford basic necessities like bread and cooking gas, as prices have skyrocketed. The family relies on loans from friends and occasional help from NGOs, including an annual cash handout from UNRWA, which is insufficient. The crisis has also led to electricity shortages, making it difficult to preserve food and heat their home. Health issues are exacerbated by the lack of affordable medical care, and the family faces psychological stress. Despite some assistance, the situation remains dire, with rising crime and violence adding to their worries.

Inflation: Peru woman feeding her community as food prices soar

Asencia Tuamana, a community organizer in Cerro Papa, Lima, Peru, started a communal kitchen during the 2020 lockdown to help locals with no income. Despite mockery, the kitchen now serves up to 140 people daily. Rising food prices have forced a 50% increase in meal costs, but Tuamana has limited it to 2-2.5 soles. She faces challenges like vegetable price hikes, gas costs, and market sellers' hostility. Tuamana's vegetable patch has been crucial, especially during farmers' protests. She plans to expand it but needs funds and support, as rising costs threaten her emergency fund. The story is part of a project on how inflation affects women worldwide.

Five months later, the Ancón oil spill’s effects linger

The Ancón oil spill, caused by the Spanish company Repsol, has left the port in Ancón, Peru, nearly inactive and has severely impacted local fishers and communities. Despite initial outrage, the spill has faded from media attention amidst Peru's political crisis. The Peruvian government is pursuing legal action against Repsol, but fishers remain out of work, and seafood eateries are closed. Compensation efforts have been sporadic and incomplete, exacerbating the struggles of affected communities. The spill has disrupted local food security and caused health issues among fishers hired for cleanup. The lack of coordination and transparency in compensation efforts has led to community tensions and calls for more drastic protest measures.