Image credit: EURObiz
Students from the below groups will receive PIN numbers via email weekly to access activities on my iDoceo Connect platform and submit their exercises for correction.
601, 607, 612, 615, 619, 624, 680, 681, 689, 690 and 691
The solutions to exercises in this session will be published when the above groups have submitted them.
IMPORTANT!!
Introduction
Article 23, WORK.
I. 21st Century Rights
Press Releases – European Parliament, 01/21/21
Read the text and answer the questions below.
Image credit: Association of Corporate Counsel
In their legislative initiative that passed with 472 votes in favour, 126 against and 83 abstentions, MEPs (Members of European Parliament) call on the Commission to propose a law that enables those who work digitally to disconnect outside their working hours. It should also establish minimum requirements for remote working and clarify working conditions, hours and rest periods.
The increase in digital resources being used for work purposes has resulted in an 'always on' culture, which has a negative impact on the work-life balance of employees, MEPs say. Although working from home has been instrumental in helping safeguard employment and business during the COVID-19 crisis, the combination of long working hours and higher demands also leads to more cases of anxiety, depression, burnout and other mental and physical health issues.
MEPs consider the right to disconnect a fundamental right that allows workers to refrain from engaging in work-related tasks —such as phone calls, emails and other digital communication— outside working hours. This includes holidays and other forms of leave. Member states are encouraged to take all necessary measures to allow workers to exercise this right, including via collective agreements between social partners. They should ensure that workers will not be subjected to discrimination, criticism, dismissal, or other adverse actions by employers.
"We cannot abandon millions of European workers who are exhausted by the pressure to be always 'on' and overly long working hours. Now is the moment to stand by their side and give them what they deserve: the right to disconnect. This is vital for our mental and physical health. It is time to update worker's rights so that they correspond to the new realities of the digital age", rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba said after the vote.
Background
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home has increased by almost 30%. This figure is expected to remain high or even increase. Research by Eurofound shows that people who work regularly from home are more than twice as likely to surpass the maximum of 48 working hours per week, compared to those working on their employer's premises. Almost 30% of those working from home report working in their free time every day or several times a week, compared to less than 5% of office workers.
Parliament calls for an EU law that grants workers the right to digitally disconnect from work without facing negative repercussions.
The marks obtained in the online exercises will NOT be taken into account for your final mark. So don't be scared to make mistakes and answer all questions even if you're not 100% sure that your answers are correct.
Make your vocabulary richer. In the text, find the terms (in bold) that match the following explanations.
| Description | Word |
|---|---|
| 1. Go over a limit | |
| 2. Stop oneself from doing something | |
| 3. Very important | |
| 4. A house or building occupied by a business | |
| 5. Approve a law | |
| 6. Consequences | |
| 7. Allow | |
| 8. Condition | |
| 9. Justified absence from work | |
| 10. Protect | |
| 11. In an excessive manner | |
| 12. Termination of employment by an employer against the will of the employee | |
| 13. Problems | |
| 14. State of exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress | |
| 15. Unplug |
Do these exercises on your own, and then discuss your answers with your nearest classmate.
Send your guesses to your teacher, using the dedicated iDoceo Connect platform (only for groups specified above).
Are the following sentences true or false?
Do these exercises on your own, and then discuss your answers with your nearest classmate.
Send your guesses to your teacher, using the dedicated iDoceo Connect platform (only for groups specified above).
Oral activity in groups of 2-3 students
II. Basic Rights
Listen to this piece of news from NPR News and choose the best answer.
Do these exercises on your own, and then discuss your answers with your nearest classmate.
Send your guesses to your teacher, using the dedicated iDoceo Connect platform (only for groups specified above).
A trade union is an organisation made up of members (a membership-based organisation) and its membership must be made up mainly of workers. One of a trade union's main aims is to protect and advance the interests of its members in the workplace. Most trade unions are independent of any employer.
Source: UK government
Retail: the sale of goods to the public in relatively small quantities for use or consumption rather than for resale. (opposite wholesale)
Choose the word which is closest in meaning to the following words from the recording.
Do these exercises on your own, and then discuss your answers with your nearest classmate.
Send your guesses to your teacher, using the dedicated iDoceo Connect platform (only for groups specified above).
Find the missing words in the following transcript:
BERGMAN: Because unionized workers earn far more than the minimum wage, in LA, an average of more than $27 an hour. Still, Lichtenstein says having a (37) could be beneficial in future contract negotiations.
LICHTENSTEIN: If you can raise the wages in those sectors which have been (38a) the general wage level, i.e. fast food or (38b) for that matter, then, you know, it makes it easier for unions to create a (38c) and then go on and try to get more stuff.
BERGMAN: There's also the fact it's rare now for workers to stay in the same job their whole career, so people are likely to (39) of unions. Robert Matsuda is a studio violinist represented by the American Federation of Musicians. He's all for a $15 wage.
ROBERT MATSUDA: I might have to take a minimum-wage job in the near future, so it might directly affect me.
BERGMAN: Because even though Matsuda works for well above the minimum wage now, he worries that may not last. He's getting fewer gigs as more film and TV scoring work gets (40) For NPR News, I'm Ben Bergman in Los Angeles.
Do these exercises on your own, and then discuss your answers with your nearest classmate.
Send your guesses to your teacher, using the dedicated iDoceo Connect platform (only for groups specified above).
Business ethics role play/debate
You are a rich American. Your country was founded on the work of entrepreneurs (business people who took great risks) who worked hard to make their money. You believe in the free market economic system, which rewards people for their merit/achievement. You are against government regulation and high taxation on the strong. Think of other reasons to support your position. Student B will start the conversation.
You are anti-big business. Corporations are basically psychopaths —they act selfishly without concern for others (e.g., society or the environment). Explain to Student A (a rich American) why corporations need heavy regulation and taxation to protect the public good.
Work in pairs with your nearest classmate.
III. Language
Choose the correct option.
Do these exercises on your own, and then discuss your answers with your nearest classmate.
Send your guesses to your teacher, using the dedicated iDoceo Connect platform (only for groups specified above).
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