Assume you are a plant manager for a manufactoring company. For years, your low-wage workers (250 out of 1,500) have complained about their pay and general working conditions. They have recently presented you a list of demands, calling for an immediate wage increase of 25 percent, an upgrade of the factory's heating and air-conditioning system, and remodeling of the plant's restrooms and cafeteria. All low wage employees have threatened to quit if their demands are not met.
You know the following (1) Another large manufacturer in the area is about to close, putting 500 low-wage employees out of work (2) the corporation that owns your company is about to implement a reduction strategy and reduce the overall workforce by 15 percent (3) general unemployment rates are alos growing, increase the number of people who will be looking for jobs.
You feel you have two choices, One is to meet with the employees and tell them the things you know and advise them to back off their demands. The other is to do nothing and see what happens.
1- What are the ethical issues in this sitation?
2. What are the basic arguments for each course of action?
3. What would most managers do?