Week 6: Discussion: Chapter 7 External Competitiveness The Market

Unions and merit pay

Merit pay is intended to reward individual performance and promote equity. Why might unions still oppose merit-pay systems? What concerns might union members have about how performance is measured and rewards are distributed?

Public-sector strikes

Many public-sector unions have limited or no right to strike.

Why might compensation and public funding influence these restrictions?

How could a public-sector strike affect employees, taxpayers, and the public?

What alternatives could unions use to negotiate better pay and benefits?

Knowledge-worker compensation

Professional and scientific employees are often treated differently from other workers.

What makes knowledge workers unique?

Why might employers link their pay to years since completing school?

Could this practice create reverse age discrimination? Explain your position.