General (General discussion, talk about anything.)
"Unethical" ?? that depends on the definition.
Let me give you an example, again here in Australia a huge company, James Hardie, that has been in business here and overseas, for at least 40 years was involved in a major way with the use of building products made with asbestos.
As most people will know many people are suffering from a very painful, lingering, ill health, leading to death due to asbestosis. This product was used in many ways, building houses, pipes etc. It knew for a long time of the effects and tried to cover it up or brush over it.
The company involved has been fighting case after case to avoid paying compensation. Now that same company has moved out of Australia and is based in The Netherlands.
Yes, it has set up a kind of trust to compensate the victims, but is looking to the Australian Taxation Dept. to give it a tax break for said trust. Is that 'good business practice' to shift your HQ overseas to stay in business and compete or 'unethical' to try and escape your moral obligations??
What do you think your chances would be of chasing a company for compensation that has moved overseas? It is mainly because of the doggedness of the unions that got them to admit liability.
Replied: 17th Jan 2007 at 09:37