Answered step by step
Verified Expert Solution
Question
1 Approved Answer
In 2003, American Airlines' CEO Don Carty used the threat of bankruptcy to negotiate $1.8 billion in wage and other concessions from three employee unions.
In 2003, American Airlines' CEO Don Carty used the threat of bankruptcy to negotiate $1.8 billion in wage and other concessions from three employee unions. Bankruptcy would threaten employee pension plans. Carty argued for "shared sacrifice" after the airline had experienced years of billions in losses. The unions conceded to the demand. Shortly afterward, the press reported millions in retention bonuses of 200% of salary that management had approved for top executives concurrently with the union wage concessions, and an earlier retirement plan for 45 top executives that was not "subject to the claims of the creditors of the corporation in a bankruptcy." Presumably, the ben-efits were necessary to retain the executive team during its financial crisis, but Carty did not reveal that during the negotiation with the unions. The unions challenged Carty's ethics, demanded his resignation, and threatened to abrogate the ratified agreements. The retention bonuses were canceled but not the supplemental pension plan. Carty resigned and received $8.2 million after tax per the executive retirement plan. What is the ethical problem with threatening the employee pension plans? 2. Is there an ethical problem with withholding information during negotiation? 3. What is the ethical problem with arguing for "shared
Step by Step Solution
There are 3 Steps involved in it
Step: 1
Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions
See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success
Step: 2
Step: 3
Ace Your Homework with AI
Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance
Get Started