I do not see any relationship

https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/strain?s=t

To me, tax and strain do fit metaphorically. They mean that the job market was already in bad shape, and whatever good remained has been sucked up by the increased number of the labour force.

Does this make sense?

Yes. Sure.

But it is not the way ETS works in its questions.

Regards

I think they do sir!

My two cents: bolster has somewhat a positive connotation in its meaning like bolster job prospects. Strain and tax has a negative connotation, so could be the best choice

i think bolster and tax make the best choice

The sentence gives the idea that the labour market is already struggling and an increased number of entrants into the labour market is only making it _______. The word 'already' here tells us that the new entrants are likely to make the situation worse. Thus we choose words that fit this context. Only 'strain' and 'tax' work since they mean putting an extra burden which is what the existing labour force now has to face.

B and D sound perfectly correct.

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