Week 1 discussion
What are the benefits of being an “employee” from
the vantage point of both the employer and the employee?
In today’s business world, being an employee is not the only
way someone can be hired to carry out work. The traditional employee with
graded pay scales, benefit packages, and other employment participation may not
represent the best format for the company or the worker. The category of
“independent contractor” is only one option. Outsourcing, temporary
agencies, and consultants represent options which bring many cost-saving
elements to the table. For example, there are clear cost benefits, such as no
pension, no health benefits, and no long term employment commitment to the
individual hired under these titles. Cite one or more Internet sources in your
initial response.
Week 2 discussion
Do employers (or employees) have too many workplace
protections in place?
The nature of employment in American business is a crucial
issue in the ability of corporations to effectively compete in a global
economy. Cheaper labor and less expensive work environments and benefits allow
global companies to lower prices and offer more products for the dollar. Many
business leaders suggest that the cost of workplace disputes and legal
protection is too high. To remove an ineffective worker in some union
environment is just too costly and time consuming. In contrast, employees say
employers have the power and money to do what they want and protection is
needed against vindictive actions. Cite one or more Internet sources in your
initial response.
Week 3 discussion
Are there sufficient protections in the workplace against
racial discrimination?
More than ever, the American worker is aware of the lawsuits
and case decisions regarding racial discrimination. Key legislation and
corporate guidelines provide a framework for employers to govern their actions
as well as protect them from legal action; however, the typical employee with
limited resources and the need to remain employed will frequently accept
discriminatory action in fear of retribution or retaliatory acts. Critics argue
that discriminatory practices still exist though they are more discreet. Cite
one or more Internet sources in your initial response.
Are there any additional laws or guidelines that can be
created to increase the protection of employees against further acts of
discrimination?
Week 4 discussion
Are there sufficient protections in the workplace against
sexual discrimination?
The American worker is aware of the lawsuits and case
decisions regarding sexual discrimination. Key legislation and corporate
guidelines provide a framework for employers to govern their actions as well as
protect them from legal action; however, the typical employee with limited
resources and the need to remain employed will frequently accept discriminatory
action in fear of retribution or retaliatory acts. Critics argue that
discriminatory practices still exist though they are more discreet. Cite one or
more Internet sources in your initial response.
Are there any additional laws or guidelines that can be
created to increase the protection of employees against further acts of
discrimination?
Week 5 discussion
Are there sufficient protections in the workplace against
religious discrimination
Key legislation and corporate guidelines provide a framework
for employers to govern their actions as well as protect them from legal
action; however, the typical employee with limited resources and the need to
remain employed will frequently accept discriminatory action in fear of
retribution or retaliatory acts. Critics argue that discriminatory practices
still exist though they are more discreet. Cite one or more Internet sources in
your initial response.
Are there any additional laws or guidelines that can be
created to increase the protection of employees against further acts of
religious discrimination?
Week 6 discussion
At what age should workers be requested to stop working?
Many people still feel that 65 is a good retirement age,
others argue for 70. Even others argue that there should be no age restrictions
on working. What do you think? As many people grow older, they become more
interested in keeping busy through work. Some employers fear loss of
productivity from older workers. A few are fearful that older workers using
machinery may be a danger to themselves as well as customers and other
employees.
Are there any additional laws or guidelines that can be
created to increase the protection of employees against further acts of
discrimination?
Week 7 discussion
What responsibilities do the employer and the employee have
in making sure the workplace is safe and healthy?
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHAct) was
designed to set forth a standard that would provide for the safety and health
of employees while on the job. Employers are required to provide a place of
employment free from occupational hazards. Employees are required to follow
rules and regulations established to promote their safety and to use equipment
designed to ensure their safety. Suppose a fellow employee working near you
ignored safety regulations and was injured. Others who witnessed this act have
decided to say that the employee did not ignore the safety rules in order for
him to receive benefits. Cite one or more Internet sources in your initial
response.
Should you report him to your supervisor and provide
information that may incriminate the injured worker and cause him to lose
benefits?
Week 8
discussion
Many companies have admitted they cannot financially support
the pension system which they have negotiated with their employees.
ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) was
introduced in response to unfair practices by employers. Numerous pension funds
were under-funded. Therefore, when employees retired, there was no guarantee
that the money would be there for their pensions. This situation occurred often
in companies that went out of business. ERISA imposed minimum funding standards
in response to this problem. Companies also had inconsistent rules regarding
age and years of service.
At this point in your studies, do you feel that the
employer-employee relationship is balanced, or does one side have an advantage
over the other?
