Explain the challenges that the Internet presents for U.S. labor unions.

What will be an ideal response?


Answers will vary. The Internet presents many interesting challenges for U.S. labor unions. The most obvious one stems from the fact that computers and new technology often mean that work can be done by fewer employees. Companies have been trying to move more production sites to foreign countries where labor costs are lower and U.S. unions have no input. Thus, unions would lose members. At the same time, the introduction of technology is also reducing the number of workers and the number of union members. Changes in technology have also posed a much different set of challenges for unions and for the management of firms with unionized employees. For example, many firms who fear unionization efforts have no-solicitation rules at work. These rules simply mean that no employee can solicit other employees on company time for any cause except United Way campaigns; that is, under such rules, employees cannot sell candy for a high school band, raffle tickets for a new car, or even tickets for a church dinner. An important aspect of these rules is that they also outlaw any attempts by union organizers to solicit employees to sign cards appointing the union as sole bargaining agent. Organizations are usually vigilant about no-solicitation rules because they stop union-organizing efforts at work. The Internet presents a challenge to these no-solicitation rules. Monitoring solicitation on the Internet is much more difficult, and some of this solicitation may even come from outside the firm. See 11-7: Labor Unions in the 21st Century

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a. Cuba's system involves distributing goods based on the capacity to pay. b. Mexico's economy is dependent on other countries. c. Japan imports over half of its food supply. d. Canada's economy is capitalistic with socialistic controls in health care and the retirement system.

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Julian was not feeling challenged in his job. He had been doing the same job for five years and knew how to perform all the tasks well. To continue to motivate him, his boss gave him some new challenging tasks. This is an example of ________.

A. job simplification B. job rotation C. job enlargement D. job enrichment E. skill enrichment

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Which of the following is not classified as manufacturing overhead?

A. Production supplies B. Supervisory labor C. Product delivery costs D. Factory insurance

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Which of the following statements is true of financial forecasts in the financial planning process?

A. The forecast of money the firm needs is estimated by adding the increases in assets and spontaneous liabilities and subtracting the operating income. B. The projected balance sheet method of forecasting financial needs requires only a forecast of the firm's balance sheet. C. The projected balance sheet method forces recognition of the fact that new financing creates additional financial obligations. D. The projected balance sheet method of forecasting financial needs does not consider dividends paid out to shareholders as these are after tax payments from retained earnings. E. The financial forecasts of a firm do not consider the forecasts of the economic prospects for the nation and the industry.

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