Ethics of Unionization

Question 1

When is deference to employers appropriate?
When deference is warranted.

Answer 1

1. workers should follow reasonable instructions by managers and employers
2. workers should respect workplace policies set by employers
3. workers should act professionally and respectfully towards managers and employers

Question 2

When is deference unwarranted?

Answer 2

when employers abuse authority and disregard basic rights and well being

Question 3

Autonomous Voice

Answer 3

definition: having a role in creating rules that guide your life
It is assured by the right to free association and generally assured through labor unions.

Question 4

Labour Union and the Law

Answer 4

Dignity: All individuals have a right to make their own choices about their lives

Human Rights: Labour rights are derivative of human rights and subsequently advance human rights.

Utility: Unionized workers make more and are more productive as are economies in heavily unionized countries.

Rights to Justice: Laws and institutions widely support freedom of association (i.e, capacity to unionize)

Question 5

Labour Rights vs Property Rights

Answer 5

Right to self-determination: Workers have labour rights, but shareholders have property rights and should not be deprived of those rights arbitrarily.

Right to Equality: Between labour rights and property rights, who deals with the greatest risk

Right to Dignity: Labour unions and rights are good even though there may be problems. If problems occur, don’t stop trying to fix it