Question - 

 

Rakesh was working as a Joint Commissioner in Transport department of a city. As a part of his job profile, among others, he was entrusted with the task of overseeing the control and functioning of City Transport Department. A case strike by drivers’ union of City Transport Department over the issue of compensation to a driver who died on duty while driving the bus came up before him for decision in the matter. He gathered that the driver (deceased) was plying Bus No. 528 which passed through busy and congested roads of the city. It so happened that near an intersection on the way, there was an accident involving the a middle-aged man. It was found that there was altercation between the driver and the car driver. Heated arguments between them led to fight and the driver gave him a a blow. Lot of passerbys had gathered and tried to intervene but without success. Eventually, both of them were badly injured and profusely bleeding and were taken to the nearby hospital. The driver succumbed to the injuries and could not be saved. The middle-aged driver’s condition was also critical but after a day, he recovered and was discharged. Police had immediately come to the spot and FIR was registered. Police investigation revealed that the quarrel in was started by the bus driver and he had resorted to physical violence. There exchange of blows between them. The City Transport Department management is considering of not giving any extra compensation to the driver’s (deceased) family. The family is very aggrieved. depressed and agitated against the discriminatory and non-sympathetic approach of the City Transport Department management. The bus driver (deceased) was 52 years of age, was survived by his wife and two school-college going daughters. He was the sole earner of the family. The City Transport Department workers’ union took up this case and when found no favourable response from the management, decided to go on strike. The union’s demand was two fold. First was full extra compensation as given to other drivers who died on duty and secondly employment to one family member. The strike has continued for 10 days and the deadlock remains. 

 

A. What are the options available to Rakesh to meet the above situation? 

 

B. Critically examine each of the options identified by Rakesh

 

C. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Rakesh?

 

D. What course of action would Rakesh adopt to diffuse the above situation?

 

Answer - 

 

A. Rakesh has several options available to him to meet the situation. These could include negotiating with the union to try and reach a compromise or resolution, mediating between the union and the management to try and find a solution that satisfies both parties, or seeking outside help such as bringing in a third party mediator to assist in the negotiations. He could also consider using his position as Joint Commissioner to advocate for the union's demands within the management and push for a resolution that addresses their concerns.

 

B. In evaluating these options, Rakesh would need to consider the potential risks and benefits of each. For example, negotiating with the union directly could be effective in finding a resolution, but it may also be risky if the negotiations do not go well and the strike continues. Mediating between the union and the management could be a more neutral approach, but it may also be less effective if the parties are not willing to compromise. Seeking outside help could be effective in finding a resolution, but it may also be time-consuming and may not be seen as a viable option by the management or the union. Advocating for the union's demands within the management could be effective in finding a resolution, but it may also be risky if it leads to tension or conflict within the organization.

 

C. Rakesh is facing several ethical dilemmas in this situation. One of the main dilemmas is the question of whether he should prioritize the interests of the union or the interests of the management. He also needs to consider the needs and rights of the deceased driver's family, as well as the potential impact of the strike on the city's transportation system and the broader community.

 

D. To diffuse the situation, Rakesh could consider a combination of the options listed above. For example, he could try negotiating with the union to find a compromise, while also seeking outside help to mediate between the parties and bring in a third party mediator if necessary. He could also consider advocating for the union's demands within the management, while also working to ensure that the needs and rights of the deceased driver's family are taken into account. Ultimately, the most appropriate course of action will depend on the specific circumstances of the situation and the needs of all parties involved.