Question

Downsizing Boss Case

For the past two years, you have worked in the supplies warehouse of the City Electric Company. Even though you worked hard, you felt fortunate - until this week - to have a job with good pay, medical benefits, and career opportunities. The bad news came that effective November 1, City Electric Company would dismiss several hundred employees, including you. Although City Electric maintains that the downsizing is necessary, your coworkers and you are angry that the layoffs are coming after a year of record profits for the company. Some employees suspect that the owners are just being selfish and short-sighted.

The day after the announcement of layoffs, you noticed that supplies were disappearing from the warehouse. Tools, toolboxes, raincoats, gloves, and rolls of expensive copper wire were gone. However, Mr. Roberts (your supervisor) said, "Don't worry. I've seen this kind of thing before. The employees are just trying to get even with a company that they think has betrayed them, and I think the company almost expects this type of behavior. Officially, I won't report any theft. I'm angry about these layoffs, too! As far as I'm concerned, we just didn't order enough supplies this month. Don't get too greedy, but take a few things home with you today if you want to."

1) What ethical issues or questions do you see in this case?

2) What should you do? Why?

Answer 1

1. The ethical questions or issues in this situation are how can a company dismiss employees without any prior notice and proper reason and also how far is it ethical to remove employees who have been working in the company for long time. Also there is no proof that the employees are responsible for the disappearance of supplies. Hence how far is it ethical for the supervisor to blame the employees . It might be the company doing it so thatthe employees can be blames and removed easily.

2. We must not consider this as an opprtunity and take things as it is unethical and improper and we must raise a complaint on the issue immediately so that an unfair practise to frame the employees can be identified . This will help in fighting for the rights of the employees because it is ethical to do so.