ETHICAL DILEMMAS WAL-MART

Critical Thinking: Ethical Dilemmas Wal-Mart

Critical Thinking: Ethical Dilemmas Wal-Mart

Introduction

The main purpose of this paper is to discuss the case of Wal-Mart. On 2 August, the commissioner of Quebec held that a majority of hourly paid employees of Wal-Mart store in Jonquière (district of the city of Saguenay) have joined the union and on this basis, it recognized the Local 503 UFCW (United Food workers and Trade) as their representative. The UFCW is part of the Federation of Labor (FTQ) and is affiliated with the UFCW America. The fact that workers in the northern region have managed to organize, in what is the only unionized Wal-Mart from all over North America, Jonquière should put on the map of the labor movement (Bernstein 2000). It was big news around the world. The Guardian of London (August 4) published an article: "The staff at Wal-Mart in Quebec won the right to organize." He made the one in Mexico, where Wal-Mart is the largest employer. American newspapers did not say anything about it. As a result of it, CEO of Wal-Mart has decided to close the branch because of unionization.

Ethical Dilemma presented in the Situation

(a) From the strictly legal viewpoint

The closure of Wal-Mart's branch at Quebec is legally a right decision and no obligations can arise against Wal-Mart. The employees of Wal-Mart Quebec branch have started opening union in the store which is ethically an immoral thing. According to the CEO Wal-Mart the main intention of the union was to get involved in the unfair practices against the chain (Gimein 2002). This was a dangerous sign for the store, and it is legally allowed for any company to close its branch and operations if any illegal activities are taking place in it. The employees of the branch have filed a suit against ...