...Labor Practices Paper Name PHL/320 Date Teacher Labor Practices - Sweatshops Most members of society deem sweatshops as an unacceptable source of labor. Others claim that many of those individuals living in developing countries, facing adverse circumstances, only dream of being employed by a sweatshop. Although at a bare minimum, sweatshops do provide its patrons a source of income. The wages earned by these workers help bring, maybe, a loaf of bread to their families. Sweatshops exploit its workers through dehumanizing practices, and should not be supported as a viable means of a country's economic development. Sweatshops are known for subjecting factory workers to dangerous and unsanitary working conditions. War On Want, an organization created to fight poverty in developing countries, states that "in 2009, approximately one million workers were injured at work and about 20,000 suffered from diseases due to their occupation" (Klein, 2009). Sweatshop employees work more than 70 hours per week, which is 30 hours more than the average American working full-time. After a day's work, employees head home to their cramped living quarters, with at least six workers to a room. It's almost as if these individuals are treated like cattle. According to an article done by Webster University, more than 55 percent of sweatshop employees are young and uneducated women. One of the biggest concerns for many sweatshop employers are having female workers becoming pregnant, as it...
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...1920’s were years of relative prosperity in the United States, the workers in industries such as steel, automobiles, rubber, and textiles benefited less than they would later in the years after World War II. While shop floor environments were often hard and authoritarian, the mass-production industries expended great efforts to prevent the growth of unions, which under the American Federation of Labor (AFL) had enjoyed some success during World War I. State legislatures at the time, reflecting the views of the American middle class, supported the concept of the "open shop" which prevented a union from being the exclusive representative of all workers. This made it easier for companies to deny unions the right to collective bargaining and block unionization through court enforcement. Between 1920 and 1929, union membership in the United States actually dropped from about five million to three-and-a-half million. The large, unskilled or semi-skilled industries remained unorganized (America.Gov, 2008). With the passage of a few federal laws, especially the Wagner Act (National Labor Relations Act or NLRA) in 1935, unions were on a much better footing. This was during the Great Depression of the 1930’s, and it was part of President Roosevelt’s “New Deal” to help bring about an economic recovery to put more money in workers’ pockets so they could spend more (Clark, 2007). However, as laws improved workers’ conditions and rights, there was less and less need for unions, and...
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...Case Study in Unfair Labor Practice Labor unions have been in decline over the last few decades. However, labor unions in the healthcare industry have been in the news recently, in particular, large and well-funded nursing unions. Sanders and McCutcheon (2010) point out that there is a sense of urgency among nursing unions in large numbers and that nurses in these unions aren’t just concerned about wages, hours and benefits, but patient care and nurse patient ratios. This issue is a key factor in the 2013 case of New York State Nurses Associations v. Olean General Hospital. In this case, the union, the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) filed a complaint that Olean General Hospital (OGH) had violated Section 8(a)(1) in the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) which is the interference with employees’ Section 7 rights and Section 8(a)(5), failure to engage in good faith collective bargaining duty with certified unions. This paper will look at the case, the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) decision and why it had merit. New York State Nurses Association v. Olean General Hospital In 2013 NYSNA filed charges against OGH alleging that the hospital had violated Sections 8(a)(1) and (5) by implementing the Dedicated Education Unit (DEU), a program where nurses in the bargaining unit acted as clinical teachers for Alfred State University. The main issue with the program was that the union believed it was significantly different than other programs the hospital had with...
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...Running Head: CHILD LABOR PRACTICES OF UNINDUSTRIALIZED NATIONS Child Labor Practices and Policies: Industrialized Nations versus Unindustrialized Nations Abstract Today we will discuss the child labor of America’s yesterday in comparison with current third world customs: In order to understand the similarities I will first offer a brief overview, then specific examples of each. Next, we will cover the beliefs of Americans followed by the after effects of child labor elimination. I truly hope and believe that my review will enlighten readers to the naked truth; opening minds to certain changes that need to take place. Encouraging at least one person to reach out and make a difference. Child Labor Practices and Policies: Industrialized Nations versus Unindustrialized Nations 218 Million Children between the ages of five and seventeen are involved in child labor: 8.4 million are forced into slavery, trafficking, armed conflict, prostitution, pornography and other illegal activities (Antislavery International, 2009). In reference to child labor practices of unindustrialized nations: The average individuals of an industrialized nation believe that child labor should end, but many families depend on this income to survive; instead, we should fight for workers rights and rethinking child labor abolition. Today we will discuss child labor practices and policies of such nations versus United States (U.S.) practices of the early 1900’s, the average person’s in-depth...
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...Labor Practices Labor Practices A growing demand on consumer goods require goods and apparel to be made quickly. For many consumers, purchasing new apparel or goods is dependent on the price. Consumers want low price apparel items and are usually willing to shop around to find the best deal. Many consumers are not paying attention to where the goods came from and if they were manufactured in sweatshops and clothing companies are not disclosing if their items were manufactured in such facility. Should apparel companies be forced to disclose the work conditions of where their items are made? Yes, apparel companies should either disclose the information or require their manufacturers to sign a fair labor contract. In this paper, Beverly will discuss how consumer demands affect a company’s business decisions, review how different ethical perspectives guide ethical decision making and explain how a company influences their ethical environment. Consumer Demands and Business Decisions Without consumers, businesses would not be able to expand and grow, so businesses try to pay close attention to what the consumer wants. When it comes to apparel, consumers want to know they are getting the best deal and the lowest price, especially with a shaky economy. In order for businesses to maintain the demand of low prices and stay competitive, they have to outsource their manufacturing to low cost companies, many of which are overseas. Some of these companies knowingly use sweatshop labor...
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...Sweatshop labor to manufacture clothing products has become an increasing issue among companies in today’s manufacturing market place. The problems are greater in developing countries where an estimated 250 million children ages 5 to 14 are forced to work ("11 Facts About Sweatshops", 2013) in sweatshop conditions. Some of the most common products that come from sweatshops are shoes, clothing, rugs, coffee, chocolate, toys, and even food such as bananas. Sweatshops are defined by the US Department of Labor as a factory that violates two or more labor laws. They often have poor working conditions, unfair wages, unreasonable hours, child labor, and a lack of benefits for workers. ("11 Facts About Sweatshops", 2013) In America, there are tougher labor laws than in developing countries, but the US still has its own share of sweatshops that make it beneath the radar of the US Department of Labor. According to "11 Facts About Sweatshops" (2013) “In 2000, more than 11,000 sweatshops in the US violated the minimum wage and overtime laws, while over 16,000 had broken health and safety laws.” Consumer demands affect a company’s business decisions on using sweatshops in order to receive an increased profit for products that are produced. A study showed that doubling the salary of sweatshop workers would increase the consumer cost of an item by 1.8%. ("11 Facts About Sweatshops", 2013) Although there would be such a minimal increase in price the manufacturing company is not willing...
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...Labor Practices Jonathan Newberry PHL 320 12/1/2014 Wayne Moore Labor Practices According to the US Department of Labor, a “sweatshop” is a factory that violates 2 or more labor laws. Just using this definition, I’d say that using any means of production that is defined as a sweatshop is unethical. The US has a much stricter set of labor laws than many developing countries. We have higher standards for our working conditions, salaries, breaks, etc. Perspectives Manufactures that use overseas factories to make goods are just trying to maximize profit. They want to make the most money that is possible, with the least amount of effort. It isn’t ethical at all, but that is how capitalism works. “Many corporations use contract manufacturing firms to produce their goods. By separating themselves from the production of their goods, they can claim that they are not aware, and consequently not responsible for the conditions under which they were made” (Background). Pretending the problem doesn’t exist just goes to show that in most cases, making money is more important to the company than making an honest product for an honest price. Ethical perspectives here are either pay the people the right wage, or just pretend that they are being paid the right wage and ignore the fact that they are not only getting underpaid, but working in extremely poor and hostile conditions that no one would want to work in. Consumers Customer’s always want the best deal. The companies are always...
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...Labor Practices - Sweatshops Astrid Vargas PHL/320 April 6, 2015 Jennifer Stephens A “sweatshop” is defined by the United States Department of Labor as a factory that violates two or more labor laws. The use of questionable labor practices, popularly knows as “sweatshop labor”, is widespread in the production of consumer goods (Paharia, 2013). Major international brands such as Nike and Apple are some of the high-profile companies that have been exposed to such labor abuses. Most members of society automatically consider sweatshops as an unacceptable source of labor because they are known for subjecting employees to dangerous and unsanitary labor conditions. Research organizations have consistently found that while economists and activists disagree about the costs and benefits of such practices, consumers have a strong preference to purchase products made without sweatshop labor. Mostly because consumers are concerned and often disturbed when labor abuses occur but the demand for products that guarantee favorable working conditions remains low. Unfortunately, there are a variety of reasons that explain why this is an ongoing, conflicting situation. While surveys and research suggest that people do not endorse the use of sweatshop labor, actions speak louder than words. If consumers really cared as they stated, there would be more demand for sweatshop free products and companies to profit from such products. Consumers may not really disapprove of these practices and instead...
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...Labor Practices Paper Dante C. Dumas PHL/320 Sept. 29, 2015 John Noel Labor Practices Paper In many countries across this world, people are being used and regularly mistreated in warehouses and buildings called "sweatshops." A sweatshop is an atmosphere where people work for very little or sometimes no money, making and manufacturing products for large companies. Along with the hazardous conditions, people who work in sweatshops are often mistreated by the people who run them. Women and children are among the workers of sweatshops and are often mentally, physically and sexually abused. This is what is considered to be modern day slavery to the extreme. In the United States, a "sweatshop" is said to be a factory that violates two or more labor laws, yet American companies still utilize these shops in order to make the substantial profit. In many countries where poverty is high, there are over 150 million young children who work in sweatshops. Most of the population of sweatshop workers is located in Asia and the Pacific region of the world. As consumer demands are raised for products, the more likely the use of sweatshops are put into play. When a company like Nike is expecting to sell a shoe that is in high in demand like the Jordan retro shoe, greed kicks in because these shoes cost two hundred dollars. If a thousand shoes get made per day in a sweatshop by one hundred workers, the profit is huge. You would pay out about two dollars per day to workers plus shipping...
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...FIASCO AT HMSI Submitted to Prof. Somnath Ghosh (Course Faculty) On 31st January, 2015 By Vijay Kumar Vikramjeet Mishra Roll Number-1328 POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN MANAGEMENT INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT KASHIPUR What do you think were the principle causes of the trouble that HMSI faced? Problem Analysis Honda Motorcycles and scooters India Ltd.was established in India in 1999 and was the leading producer of motorcycles and scooters in the country by 2005. The leading Japan firm’s subsidiary with the Japanese focus of hard HRM in its strategy. The focus was on meeting deadlines no matter what happens with the workers. There was a complete chaos due to the workers slowly and slowly under the hard practices and unfair treatment were getting in synchronize with each other to raise a union in order to gain there rights and managers knowing this would lead to the dissolution of their powers. In their pursuit they took help of police, private outside people and to stop unionization even increased pay of workers but all effort gone in vain. The chronological sequencing of the events going out at the HMSI are as follows: 1. Resentment in 2004 on the acceptance of Diwali gifts. 2. Resentment on termination of worker due to late coming. 3. Acts of a Japanese VP 4. Refusal of offer of management to take monetary benefits in order to not to form a Union in response to the workers act. 5. The Registrar of Trade Unions of granting rights...
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...Explain what HR management is and how it relates to the management process. There are five basic functions that all managers perform: planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling. HR management involves the policies and practices needed to carry out the staffing (or people) function of management. HR management helps the management process avoid mistakes and to get results. 2. Give several examples of how HR management concepts and techniques can be of use to all managers. HR management concepts and techniques can help all managers to ensure that they get results--through others. These concepts and techniques also help you to avoid common personnel mistakes such as: hiring the wrong person; experiencing high turnover; finding your people not doing their best; wasting time with useless interviews; having your company taken to court because of discriminatory actions; having your company cited under federal occupational safety laws for unsafe practices; have some employees think their salaries are unfair and inequitable relative to others in the organization; allow a lack of training to undermine your department’s effectiveness, and commit any unfair labor practices. 3. Illustrate the HR responsibilities of line and staff managers. Line managers are someone's boss; they direct the work of subordinates in pursuit of accomplishing the organization's basic goals. Some examples of the HR responsibilities of line managers are: placing the right person on the...
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...are able to retire. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act in 1935 which did help provide income for poor elderly persons. During these ruff times and being elderly was not easy. The Great Depression cause age discrimination within jobs and made it hard for the elderly to find jobs. The next thing to help the economy was the Wagner Act that came into effect in 1935. The Wagner Act was a guarantee right that workers were treated right and with respect. It made it possible for workers to have fair pay and have justified labor. The Wagner Act established the rights of employees to organize, join, or aid labor unions and to participate in collective bargaining through their representatives. The act also authorized unions to take intensive action for these purposes. This meant that workers could lawfully strike and take other peaceful action as a way of placing pressure on an employer. This was banned employers from engaging in unfair labor practices that interfere with the union rights of...
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... 2. Leadership development | 35% | 3. HR effectiveness measurement | 27% | 4. Organizational effectiveness | 25% | 5. Compensation | 24% | 6. Staffing: Recruitment and availability of skilled local labor | 24% | 7. Succession planning | 20% | 8. Learning and development | 19% | 9. Staffing: Retention | 16% | 10. Benefits costs: Health & welfare | 13% | Major challenges of HRD/HR officials Human Resource Management faces the following challenges when they conduct major activities of HR. In Bangladesh their lies following challenges faced by Human Resource Department and HR as well. 1. Human Resource Department faces challenges in respect of hiring the wrong person for the job. They also face challenges when they requite person for a specific position. 2. It faces challenges regarding experience high turnover. 3. It faces problems when employees not doing their best. 4. It is highly concerned about wasting time with useless interviews. 5. It faces challenges regarding discriminatory actions of employees which led the company to court. 6. It faces problems when employees started to think that their salaries are unfair relative to others in the organization. 7. It faces problem when employees commit any unfair labor practices. 8. It faces problem as par motivating sub-ordinates non-financially. 9. It faces problem according to improving employees out-side Dhaka. 10. It faces challenges in case of recruiting fresher. ...
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...privately, production is guided, and income is distributed mostly through the operation of markets; in this case capitalists would be the “fittest.” However, there are two more types of people: laborers and consumers. Laborers are those who sell their labor to the capitalists, ideally for livable wages, and consumers are those who purchase the goods or services that are demanded. Ironically, capitalism would be non-existent if it was not for laborers and consumers but these are the people that are seen as “not fit enough.” There are different approaches to capitalism; one of them is called outsourcing. Companies outsource because “outsourcing can be such an approach and one of the strategies that can lead to greater competitiveness. (Ahmad)” Outsourcing can help firms because products that may cost one amount to create may have a significantly lower production cost in another country due to resources that are available in that geographic location. However, as the living necessities and wages rise in the United States, companies like Nike have decided to outsource their labor to take advantage of lower safety standards and a cheaper work force; “Nike employs approximately 23,000 people worldwide…it has been accused of unfair labor practices in Asia. (Goldman)” “One of the major issues in the world today is that many goods bought by consumers in relatively wealthy countries are produced in poor countries by workers working in bad conditions for poor wages. (Hobbs)” While outsourcing...
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...unions are as important just as police, teachers, doctors etc. are necessary. Unfortunately in the US very few or none exist. Working men and woman who have fought and sacrificed for this country are the ones that have purchased true freedom and deserve to have voice 2. Briefly explain why organized labor was opposed to NAFTA. There has been significant opposition to NAFTA from organized labor. Unionists say NAFTA harms workers both here and in Mexico by taking U.S. jobs away and intensifying the exploitation of Mexican workers. Nearly half a million Mexicans already work in "maquiladoras" where over 1,500 mostly U.S.-owned assembly plants operate free of taxes and tariffs. Only about 10 percent are organized, compared to 25 percent of Mexican workers overall. Average pay runs from 50 cents to a dollar an hour. NAFTA will only intensify this exploitation as it lures corporations to set up runaway shops. Yet much of the opposition to NAFTA has been drawn on narrow lines and lets the capitalist system off the hook. For example the AFL-CIO uses the slogan "Not this NAFTA." That complements the views of the Clinton administration which says it's going to see that environmental and labor reform are guaranteed before it goes along with the agreement.But U.S. corporations are the biggest polluters of all! Studies show that thousands of communities in the U.S., especially those of color, are targeted for...
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