Question

Discuss how the following rights could help improve sweatshop conditions:

Joining an independent (not state-controlled) union
Engaging in collective bargaining with an employer
Conducting a legal strike (work stoppage)

Answer 1

Employees organized into unions have more power in negotiation methods than those who are speaking out alone. The power that organized workers have can be used to petition more efficiently for things such as better working conditions, better pay, etc. If the negotiations fail, they can also legally start a strike, bettering their chance of their requests being granted.

Answer 2

Workers who have organized into unions have much more power to make changes than workers acting on their own. This power can be used through collective bargaining to negotiate improved wages and working conditions. The option of calling a legal strike, should negotiations fail, makes it much more likely that worker demands will be met.