Should we pay our bankrupt supplier?

Concerning article 6654:

I feel that the writer is taking a moral responsiblity for his boss' actions that is not his, as he is not the owner of company and not the policy maker of that organization.

Quitting his job over somnething like this is like shooting yourself in the foot!

True, he may not be the policy maker for the company, but he represents the company and the company has a reflection on him. His action can help define the policy for the company. Though he now faces a tough decision by no choice of his own, a choice it remains. His choice will further define his own business ethics. Hard, but true.

These are the moments that set us along one of two paths, and a good choice now (I highly encourage the suggestion to cater to the boss's better nature) can not only bring self-confidence and self-respect in a choice well made, but can set a business person apart as trustworthy, and thus, an excellent pick for a wide array of jobs in the future...or if all goes bad, the immediate future.

In any case, discression is needed to make the decision that needs to be made, and wisdom to implement that decision through the appropriate action.

The boss has the legal obligation for paying for services rendered. He can retain a certain amount for a fixed period of time such as one year or two, whatever, depending on the extent and complexities of the job performed. Witholding payment would be questionable legal performance and will tarnish the reputation of the company. The bankrupt company is under legal obligation to pay what they can to creditors and witholding or denying payment for services performed by them is actually denying payment to other companies down the line.

Dave:
Let me offer another perspective - I am a bankruptcy lawyer in Atlanta and there is a practical concern here. If the supplier has in fact filed for bankruptcy, any asset (which would include the accounts payable) is an asset of the estate. This asset will appear on the bankruptcy schedules alongside equipment, motor vehicles or bank accounts.
The bankruptcy trustee has the responsibility for marshalling the assets, selling them and distributing funds to the creditors in order of priority.
It is likely that the owner of the writer's company will soon get a letter from the bankruptcy trustee demanding that this accounts payable be sent to the trustee. So, I think that the writer's ethical dilemma may solve itself when the boss finds that the supplier has been replaced by a bankruptcy trustee who really won't take no for an answer. Sort of an involuntary karma thing!
Jonathan Ginsberg
Atlanta, GA
Ginsberg Law Offices, P.C.

I believe the person should have the conversation with their boss stating that
the work had been done to his pleasure.
If the person doesn't say anything, he will
lose a part of his soul by not speaking up.
How do I know? Because, I too was part of
an organization that was unethical and I paid
for it by ruining my health. It is now 4 years
down the road, finally, I can go back to work.

also jpandcin@tampabay.rr.com .go to google and type hower and molding systems view as html also same site under libary blog case 05-1889 is the recorded court hearings ..I'm open to anything to catch this crook. Thanks John Hower