Industrial relations – Should trade unions be banned completely? Arguments to evaluate: I. Yes, then workers can concentrate on production. II. No, unions are the key channel for employees to present demands to management. III. Yes, employees get illegal demands fulfilled via unions. IV. No, advanced economies do not ban trade unions.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Only II is strong

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This argument analysis concerns banning trade unions outright. We must decide which arguments are logically strong and policy-relevant.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Total ban under consideration, not regulation or reform.
  • Legitimate purposes of unions: representation, bargaining, dispute resolution.
  • Abuses, if any, can be addressed by law rather than abolition.


Concept / Approach:
Strong arguments must be substantive and non-extreme. A channel for employee voice is essential for fair industrial relations; production focus and foreign practices, as stated, are not decisive justifications for a total ban.



Step-by-Step Solution:

I: Weak. Claims workers will “concentrate on production” post-ban are speculative and ignore the need for grievance redressal.II: Strong. Unions are a legitimate mechanism for collective bargaining; banning them removes a critical voice channel.III: Weak. “Illegal demands” can be checked by law; isolated misuse does not justify a complete ban.IV: Weak as framed. An appeal to foreign practice does not, by itself, establish a policy case.


Verification / Alternative check:

Best practice recommends fair regulation of unions and bargaining frameworks, not abolition.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Any option including I or III treats speculative or overgeneral claims as strong; IV is non-sequitur by itself.


Common Pitfalls:

Confusing reform/regulation with prohibition; assuming productivity rises simply by silencing worker voice.


Final Answer:
Only II is strong

More Questions from Statement and Argument

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