Description: In the wake of the recent tragedy at a factory in Bangladesh that killed more than 1000 workers, a new Bangladesh safety accord was set-up. While a large number of European retailers signed the accord, several large North American retailers, such as Wal-Mart and Gap Inc., abstained from signing the accord. Source: The Huffington… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Ethics
Canadian CEOs among top bank earners
Description: The top earning banker earns nearly $26 million. CEOs of several Canadian banks are ranked among the top bank earners in North America with salaries ranging between $7 million to $15 million. Source: CBC Date: May 29 2013 Video link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2388467779/ Questions for Discussion: Do you agree that no one except shareholders have a… Read more »
Barrick Gold Corp’s continuing problems with their Chile project
Description: Chile files serious violations against Toronto-based Barrick Gold Corporation (world’s largest gold miner) dealing a blow to their Pascua-Lama mine project. The Pascua-Lama mine is believed to house nearly 18 million ounces of gold reserves. Source: The Globe and Mail Date: May 24 2013 Text link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/chile-freezes-barricks-pascua-lama-orders-urgent-measures/article12129034/ Questions for Discussion: What are some of… Read more »
Passengers bypassing Canadian airports
Description: An estimated five million Canadians hop the border every year to catch their flights from U.S. airports. By driving a few extra hours to U.S. airports, Canadian passengers save thousands of dollars. Source: CBC Date: May 03 2013 Video link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2383198577/ Questions for Discussion: Should Canadians be flying out of U.S. airports given that… Read more »
Loblaw on Bangladesh
Description: Following the tragic collapse of a garment factory in Bangladesh, Loblaw decided to compensate the families of the victims and to continue their operations in the country. They also stressed that they will increasingly audit the working conditions at their outsourced factories. Source: CBC Date: May 02 2013 Video link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2382985825/?page=2 Questions for Discussion:… Read more »
Should the temporary foreign worker program be scrapped?
Description: Recently, the temporary foreign worker program has come under heavy criticisms. This program allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers when they can’t find Canadians to fill the job. Source: National Post Date: April 12 2013 Text link: http://opinion.financialpost.com/2013/04/12/temporary-foreign-worker-program-works-for-canada/ Questions for Discussion: List the benefits and drawbacks of this program? Are employers misusing the… Read more »
RBC criticized for layoffs and outsourcing jobs
Description: RBC’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Zabeen Hirji, responds to allegations of outsourcing jobs to overseas workers. Source: CBC Date: April 07 2013 Video link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2373110556/ Questions for Discussion: What were the justifications given by Zabeen Hirji for layoffs and for hiring temporary overseas workers? Do you agree with her explanations? Do companies need to… Read more »
Will a second job hurt your full-time job?
Description: During an economic recession, more people take up second jobs to make ends meet. However, a secondary job can have several drawbacks that can result in employees losing their full-time jobs. Employees should be careful when planning for a secondary job. Source: Financial Post Date: March 25 2013 Video link: http://business.financialpost.com/2013/03/25/will-working-a-second-job-put-your-career-at-risk/ Questions for Discussion:… Read more »
Should airlines be charging passengers by their weight?
Description: Over the years airlines have gone through great lengths to reduce their in-flight weight, from reducing the number of bags per passenger to shrinking the size of in-flight magazines. Are passengers next? Source: Financial Post Date: March 29 2013 Text link: http://business.financialpost.com/2013/03/29/should-airlines-start-charging-passengers-by-the-pound/ Questions for Discussion: Should airlines be charging passengers by their weight? Are there any… Read more »
Banning bottled water in university campuses
Description: Increasing number of universities is banning the sale of bottled water in university campuses. They want students to instead use municipal water. Source: CBC Date: March 15 2013 Video link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2345918765/ Questions for Discussion: Do you agree with the decision to ban bottled water in universities? Do you agree with the argument that the… Read more »
