Deck 5: Workers Rights as Human Rights: Health and Safety in the Global Workplace

Question 1

Explain what the Workers Rights Consortium is and what it has done to combat sweatshops.

Answer 1

The Workers Rights Consortium monitors and investigates working conditions in factories around the world. Over 180 U.S. colleges and universities are members. The use a Code of code for contractors, subcontractors and manufactures who sell trademarked goods on college campuses. Licensees agree that they and their contractors will adhere to the laws of the local country or the Code standards, whichever are higher. The standards cover compensation, working hours, child labor, forced labor, health and safety, discrimination, harassment, collective bargaining and women's rights.

Question 2

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938:
I) sets maximum hours
II) requires minimum wages
III) requires compliance with child labor standards
IV) covers farmer workers

A) I. and II only
B) III and IV only
C) I, II and III only
D) I, II, III and IV

Answer 2

C

Question 3

With the adoption of the ____________, the U.S. began to address the need to prevent, or minimize, workplace accidents and health hazards.

A) Securities Act
B) Occupational Safety and Health Act
C) Environmental Protection Agency
D) National Insurance Act

Answer 3

B

Question 4

When an employee files a worker's compensation claim:

A) The employee must prove the company was negligent.
B) The employer has the right to raise traditional defenses to negligence to defeat the claim.
C) Both a. and b.
D) Neither a. not b.

Question 5

Almost all of the hazards that workers face are known and visible.

Question 6

According to Dr. Michael Silverstein, what are the types of risks workers find on the job today?

Question 7

According to Guy Mundlak and Issi Rosen-Zvi, hypotheses for the existence of CSR reports include:
I) They have instrumental value to governments.
II) They are a focal point for persuading the corporate world that a new ethical discourse is emerging.
III) They are created to persuade competitors to adopt similar measures and standards of responsibility.
IV) They are created in an attempt to persuade managers and employees that they should be proud of their workplace.

A) III and IV only
B) I, II and III only
C) II, III and IV only
D) I, II, III and IV

Question 8

Typically individual stockholders are not held responsible for the actions of a corporation. Exceptions usually relate to comingling of funds, underinsuring, or similar actions by the corporate leadership. This is called:

A) risking liability
B) piercing the corporate veil
C) the privilege of the stockholders
D) free market trading of stocks

Question 9

According to Henry Shue, firms are not in the business of protecting the interests of their workers, except when this is a means to accomplish the organizational objectives.

Question 10

The ADA direct threat provision permits an employer to impose a:

A) "requirement that an individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace."
B) "requirement that an individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of themselves in the workplace."
C) Both a. and b.
D) Neither a. nor b.

Question 11

Discuss how corporate criminal liability has been handled by OSHA since 1970.

Question 12

According to Henry Shue, what are the six factors required to make a cost a true harm?

Question 13

OSHA has a wide range of tools available to address the risks that workers face.

Question 14

Explain how worker's compensation in the U.S. works.

Question 15

The Workers Rights Consortium:
I) Combats sweatshops by monitoring and investigating working conditions in factories around the world.
II) Is a U.S. government organization.
III) Covers contractors, subcontractors and manufacturers.

A) I. only
B) I and II only
C) I and III only
D) I, II, and III