2-2 Discussion: Union Avoidance and Ethics

One of the stated objectives of the National Labor Relations Act is to provide a framework where workers can, if they so choose, organize to collectively bargain with their employer over wages, hours, terms, and conditions of employment.

Wal-Mart, as the largest retailer in the United States, has been criticized for its approach to unions. A reading in this module highlights Wal-Mart.

After reading the article, do you see any ethical issues raised by Wal-Mart’s approach? Please explain. Does Wal-Mart (or does any employer, for that matter) have any ethical obligation to its employees and/or society when confronted with a union-organizing effort? Why or why not?