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This introductory article presents a survey of worker’s social rights in the United States in the new millenium. After the sources of 20th century labor law it considers the plight of contingency workers who are often denied these rights, due to their precarious employment status and also to the fragmented institutional framework. Statutory law, common law, collective bargaining gains are not woven into a societal fabric based upon consensus around the attribution of rights. The role of government is highlighted, as is that of social and political actors looking to respond to changing market structures and increased pressures for a flexible workforce.