explain: is it ethical for small business firm staffed with otherwise unemployable people like amputees?

Question

to pay them less than a living wage if the alternative is that it will be forced to go out of business and by force of circumstances throw them out in the street?

Answer 1

Perhaps the staff members are living in part on Social Security Disability and are allowed to earn X amount of dollars also. In such a case, underpaying may be doing them a favor in that they keep their SS and earn much needed supplementary income. If staff members are in need to work this way, yes, for those involved it is ethical.
I do take offense that you think amputees are otherwise unemployable.

Answer 2

I think when you think in socially Darwinistic terms like that, yes. The idea that those who do not evolve with the curve deserve what they get, or should be greatful for getting such.

However, I would disagree. There should be a level of respect that you bestow in your fellow man, and especially someone who has gone through the trauma of losing a limb. The fact that it is a small business means that the company's pockets aren't overflowing, I realize, but then hire less workers and expect these amputees to take on an appropriate workload.

Ultimately, they are human beings just like you and me. Treat them as you would treat anyone else, especially when it comes to ethically questionable terrain like economics.

Answer 3

As the world gets more competitive, more is expected from everyone in everyway and less compassion one shows to an employee. Many employers choose not to deal with emotions, not that they are not emotional, but because they are forced to utilize mind, mind and more mind all the time.
It will be a good avenue to delve into a venture which educates the disabled (like amputees) not to use emotions to get into employment but rather their latent mind geniuses.
Ever thought about opening a centre of advanced learning for the physically disabled?

Answer 4

I think it is ethical if their handicap makes them less productive than other non-handicapped employees.

If someone has lost their legs, but their job is essentially an office job using computer and phone, it really shouldn't matter, but if maybe they lost a hand, and can't type as fast, or if special accomodations need to be made, then yes.

Answer 5

no, in fact because you have now found an even better way of exploiting the disadvantaged you will receive a medal.

it's against the law to pay less than minimum wage, and unethical to exploit people because of their situation and unethical to pay people differently for the same work

Answer 6

It would be illegal to pay them less than the law dictates. It is exploitive to rationalize as stated. The government has subsidies available for such employers.