Product Overview

The B case describes the actions taken by Allied in response to the situation posed in the A case (UVA-E-0037) and poses new problems generated 15 months later. As a consequence of removing the women from the packaging line, Allied becomes involved with federal and state agencies concerned with health and safety as well as with equal employment. Several suits are filed by the union's national organization charging that removal of the women violated equal-employment-opportunity laws. In addition, two of the laid-off workers have been sterilized, and the union charges that the company encouraged sterilization. The case invites students to consider the various constituencies and interests--both local and national--affected by Allied's decision and also to consider which of the actions available to Allied would best satisfy the legitimate interests of those constituencies. See also the C case (UVA-E-0039).