The Value of Fair Treatment in the Workplace

You have been hired as a management consultant by a largecompany to examine the company’s business decisions regarding employeeprotections. The applicable laws are federal anti-discrimination laws,federal health and safety laws, and employer firing practices related tothe employment-at-will (EAW) doctrine.

In response to the three questions below, write a 4–6 page paper in which you do the following:

1. Analyze, identify, and explain recent legislation, within thelast 10 years, that helps to protect employees from discrimination inthe workplace. Provide at least two federal legislative protections.Provide some insight when the federal legislation conflicts with thestate.
2. Explain the EAW doctrine and allexceptions to the doctrine. Look at the scenarios below and determinewhether the decision to fire the employee is a smart one. Identify whyor why not, and determine all the possible exceptions per the EAWdoctrine that are, might be, or could be applicable if the employee suesfor wrongful termination.
   • Brenda, a manager, started a blog on the company website foremployee grievances. She noticed that a worker was protesting that noAsian American employees had gotten a raise in two years at the company.The worker also criticized how much the CEO made and how the CEO was”out of touch.” Brenda reprimanded the worker. The next day, the workertalked to fellow co-workers about forming a union. Brenda subsequentlyfired the worker.
   • Jason, a department supervisor, requests approval to firehis secretary, Alice. Alice, a devout Christian, has been puttingRight-to-Life flyers in the employee breakroom. Alice is also takingtime out to pray each day during the busiest time of the morning.
   • Brian, the head of the accounting department, refused tosign Lori’s leave request for jury duty. Lori is a tax attorney in hisdepartment. Brian wants to fire Lori for being absent without permissionduring their busiest time—tax season.
   • Peter has worked for the company for one year. He has a rareform of liver disease and works with chemicals that make his conditionworse. Peter does not want to stop working, but his boss is not happywith his performance and wants to let him go.
3. Determine the federal law regarding undocumented workers andwhether they are eligible for state workers’ compensation in the UnitedStates. Advocate for or against this practice and substantiate yourresponse with research to support your position.