Ben Began Working for Whitestone in December 2005

question 28

Essay

Ben began working for Whitestone in December 2005. In October 2007, Whitestone was acquired by Sky Ltd., a competitor. In November 2007, Ben learned he had fibrosing mediastinitis and applied for FMLA leave for a related surgery. Ben's FMLA leave was approved beginning December 17, 2007. On February 15, 2008, Ben notified his supervisor of his intention to return to work on February 18, 2008. When the regional manager learned that Ben was returning, he discharged Ben and provided assurances to Human Resources that Ben's position would have been eliminated due to the acquisition of Whitestone, regardless of his FMLA leave. Is Whitestone justified in its action?

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Definitions:

Inflation Expectations

The rate at which people expect prices to increase over a period, influencing their economic behavior.

Long-Run Average Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate that is expected to prevail in the long-term, factoring in the natural movement of the workforce in and out of jobs.

Market Power of Unions

The capacity of labor unions to influence wages, working conditions, and employment levels through collective bargaining.

Minimum Wage

The lowest legal salary that employers can pay workers, set by government laws to ensure a minimum standard of living for employees.