13 Jan Should you report him to

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?