Welcome to the Debate Evaluation!

You'll be evaluating a debate where two sides discuss a topic. Your opinion matters - you'll vote how persuasive each side is in each stage. We will use your feedback to improve the debate quality.

What to Expect:

Debate Structure

The full debate includes:

  • Opening: 4 min audio per side
  • Rebuttal: 4 min audio per side
  • Closing: 2 min audio per side

You'll evaluate a portion of this debate.

Your Evaluation Tasks

For each stage, you'll:

  • Rate the persuasiveness of each side's statements
  • Update your position after hearing each argument
  • Provide optional feedback
Final Comparison

In the final stage:

  • You'll see two versions of each side's closing statement
  • Rate each version independently
  • Select which version you found more persuasive
Important: Before beginning, you'll vote for the side you initially support. After each stage, you'll have the opportunity to reconsider and update your position based on the arguments presented.
Note: Throughout the evaluation, you'll encounter attention check questions to ensure data quality. Participants who demonstrate thoughtful engagement will receive compensation as agreed. If you're unable to commit to providing quality responses, you may exit the survey at any time without penalty.
Second Questionnaire: This questionnaire takes around 10 minutes. After submitting this questionnaire, you will be automatically redirected to the next questionnaire, which will take around 15 minutes. If both questionnaires are completed, you will receive the compensation as agreed. If you are unable to commit to completing both questionnaires at this time, please feel free to exit. We understand that your time is valuable and appreciate your participation thus far.

Rating Guide for Persuasiveness:

1
Poor

Limited evidence with poor organization or fundamental logic flaws. Disengage with no audience awareness.

2
Weak

Reasonable statements with at least one noticeable weakness.

3
Moderate

Reasonable statements, which provide on-topic evidence with logical flow and balanced emotional tone showing basic audience awareness

4
Strong

Reasonable statements with at least one impressive shining points.

5
Compelling

Powerful evidence with effective counterpoints and create deep connection with audience.

* indicate required question

Motion: Labor Unions Are Beneficial To Economic Growth


Question 1: Pre-Vote Stage
End of Pre-Vote Stage Comparison
Question 2: Opening Stage
Output A - For Side
(Optional) For - Transcript A
Good morning, everyone. We're here today to discuss whether labor unions are beneficial to economic growth. We firmly believe they are, and we will demonstrate why.

First, let's define our terms to ensure clarity. By "labor unions," we mean organizations representing workers to improve their wages, working conditions, and overall well-being through collective bargaining. "Economic growth" encompasses more than just GDP figures. It signifies overall economic growth, measured by indicators such as GDP, productivity, and income equality, across all age groups, genders, and income levels, within the current global economic landscape. It’s about a rising tide that lifts all boats.

Now, how do we determine whether labor unions truly benefit economic growth? We propose that the key criterion is sustainable and inclusive economic growth. By sustainable and inclusive economic growth, we mean growth that not only increases overall wealth but also protects the environment, creates jobs for all skill levels, and reduces disparities in income and opportunity. Does union activity lead to economic improvement that benefits a broad spectrum of society, not just a select few? Does it foster long-term stability and shared prosperity? We believe the answer is a resounding yes.

Now, let’s explore why labor unions are a catalyst for economic growth. I will present my arguments in a sandwich structure.

First, labor unions boost wages, and this is a fundamental driver of economic activity. When workers collectively bargain, they have more leverage to negotiate for fair compensation. Higher wages mean more money in the pockets of working families, which fuels demand, drives production, and stimulates economic growth. According to *the Economic Policy Institute*, unions raise wages for workers from every background. The *institute's* research indicates that the union wage premium is highest for Hispanic workers at 12% and for workers without a college degree at almost 12%, meaning union membership can close racial and educational wage gaps.

Second, collective bargaining through unions reduces income inequality. Unions help raise wages and push for benefits and fairer treatment, creating a more level playing field. *A 2021 report in The Journalist's Resource by Clark Merrefield* highlighted research in the Quarterly Journal of Economics, noting that the rise of unions from 1936 to 1968 explains about 25% of the decline in the Gini coefficient, a common measure of income inequality.

Third, unions invest in worker training and skills development. Unions often provide apprenticeship programs, training courses, and other resources to help their members improve their skills, leading to increased productivity and competitiveness. *MEPI Policy Analyst Andrew Wilson* stated that the biggest distinction between union and nonunion construction career training programs is the financing mechanism. He added that union programs include a self-financing instrument that does not exist in the nonunion side of the industry. This self-financing mechanism ensures that union training programs are well-funded and sustainable, leading to higher quality training and more skilled workers.

In conclusion, labor unions are not a barrier to economic growth. They are, in fact, a vital engine for creating a more prosperous and equitable society for all. As we look to the future, let's consider policies that empower workers and foster a more prosperous and equitable future for all, building a society where everyone can thrive. We look forward to demonstrating this throughout the debate.

Output B - For Side
(Optional) For Transcript B
Good morning, everyone. We're here today to discuss whether labor unions are beneficial to economic growth. To ensure we're all on the same page, let's define our terms. Labor unions are organizations that represent workers, advocating for improved wages, better working conditions, and overall well-being through collective bargaining.

And what do we mean by economic growth? Instead of getting bogged down in academic jargon, let's focus on the key aspects that matter most to everyday people: increased job creation, higher wages, and a more equitable distribution of wealth. These are the tangible signs of a thriving economy.

Now, how should we judge whether labor unions are truly beneficial? We propose that we use those same indicators: job creation, wage growth, and income equality. If unions positively impact these areas, we can confidently say they contribute to economic growth. This provides a measurable standard for today's discussion.

With that framework in place, let's move to our main arguments. First, labor unions boost wages, which in turn increases consumer spending. When workers earn more, they spend more, fueling demand for goods and services. Think about the impact of a raise on a household budget. According to *a recent analysis by the Center for American Progress*, union households hold nearly 70% more wealth than nonunion households, with a median of $338,482 compared to $199,948 . This increased wealth translates directly into increased spending. As *the Treasury Department* confirmed in a first-of-its-kind report, unions help both union and non-union workers earn higher wages . This effect is especially strong for low- and middle-income workers, who are more likely to spend any extra income, directly injecting money into the economy.

Second, collective bargaining through unions reduces income inequality, leading to a stronger middle class. Unions help ensure workers receive a fairer share of the profits they help create, narrowing the gap between the very rich and everyone else. Moreover, *the U.S. Department of the Treasury* confirms that unions help reduce income inequality . A stronger middle class is a more resilient one. People have more disposable income, which leads to more stable economic growth.

Finally, union apprenticeships create skilled tradespeople, who are essential for infrastructure development and economic expansion. These are the folks who build our bridges, wire our buildings, and keep our infrastructure running. Union-sponsored apprenticeship programs provide in-depth training in carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and many other skilled trades.

Now, some might argue that unions can lead to job losses or bureaucratic inefficiencies. However, it's important to remember that unions also play a crucial role in promoting innovation and productivity. *The Treasury Department’s report* challenges the view that worker empowerment holds back economic prosperity . By fostering employee engagement and providing a voice for workers, unions can actually drive economic growth.

So, as we consider policies that promote economic growth and well-being for all Americans, let's remember the vital role that labor unions play in creating a more prosperous and equitable society.

End of Opening Stage Comparison
(Optional) Question 5: Which factors were most crucial in your assessment?
Additional Question 1 / 2
(Optional) Question 6: How long did you spend on this whole evaluation process (including reading the motion, listening to the debate, and answering the questions)?
Additional Question 2 / 2

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© CMU Debate Team