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
Question 2: Opening Stage
Output A - For Side
(Optional) For - Transcript A
In this debate, we shall argue that labor unions are beneficial to economic growth. Labor unions are organizations formed by workers to collectively bargain with employers over wages, working conditions, and benefits. Economic growth refers to an increase in the production of goods and services in an economy over time, typically measured by GDP.

Our judging criteria is economic prosperity through equitable growth. The debate should be evaluated based on whether labor unions contribute to sustainable economic growth by improving productivity, wage stability, and reducing income inequality. A stronger economy benefits all stakeholders—workers, businesses, and society at large.

First, labor unions increase productivity by improving workplace conditions and worker engagement. Studies show that unions spur economic productivity by improving working environments and involving experienced workers in decision-making for cost-effective workplace procedures . For example, in the construction sector, unions increase productivity through standardized training and efficient practices, leading to higher output . Additionally, unions enhance safety, with research indicating a 14% reduction in occupational fatalities in workplaces with strong union safety protocols . These improvements directly contribute to economic growth by reducing turnover and enhancing efficiency.

Second, unions promote wage growth and economic stability. Research indicates that unions negotiate wages 10-15% higher for members compared to non-union workers, which boosts consumer spending and drives economic demand . Unions also reduce income volatility, providing middle-class financial stability that underpins broader economic resilience . For instance, the U.S. Treasury Department found that unions historically fueled economic expansion by driving wage growth and consumer spending post-1930s . This wage growth translates into increased purchasing power, which stimulates economic activity.

Third, labor unions reduce income inequality, fostering inclusive growth. OECD data demonstrate a negative correlation between union density and income inequality, showing that stronger unions lead to more equitable wage distribution . Historically, unions in the U.S. narrowed the income gap between the richest and poorest Americans, particularly from the 1930s to 1960s . Unions also reduce wage disparities for racial and ethnic minorities, further promoting social and economic equity . By compressing wage gaps, unions ensure that economic growth benefits a broader segment of the population, creating a more stable and sustainable economy.

In conclusion, labor unions are a cornerstone of equitable economic growth, enhancing productivity, stabilizing wages, and reducing inequality. Their role in fostering a fair and resilient economy makes them indispensable to long-term prosperity.

Output B - For Side
(Optional) For Transcript B
Let’s start by defining our terms. Labor unions are organizations where workers unite to negotiate for better pay, safer conditions, and fair treatment. When unions succeed, they don’t just help employees—they fuel the economy. Economic growth isn’t just about corporate profits; it’s about productivity, rising wages, and innovation. Today, I’ll show how unions deliver on all three.

First, unions boost wages, and higher wages mean more spending. According to a 2023 report by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, union workers earn 10 to 15 percent more than their non-union counterparts, with even larger gains for long-tenured employees. This wage premium isn’t just a number—it’s economic fuel. When workers earn more, they spend more on groceries, cars, and homes. Research from the WorkRise Network in 2023 confirms that this increased demand pushes businesses to grow, hire, and invest. Take the UAW’s 2023 strike, which secured protections for 150,000 jobs in the EV transition—a modern example of how unions directly fuel growth by ensuring workers can participate in emerging industries. When workers thrive, the economy thrives.

Second, unions balance power. Without them, corporations can cut corners—slashing wages or ignoring safety to cut costs. But unions give workers a voice. Fair pay and protections reduce turnover, creating a stable, motivated workforce. A 2023 study by the WorkRise Network found that unionized workplaces experience lower turnover rates, saving businesses costs while ensuring workers are paid fairly for their contributions. This isn’t just true for large corporations. In Portland, unionized bakeries saw retention rates double, proving that small businesses also benefit from the stability unions provide. A factory where employees aren’t overworked or underpaid is one that runs smoothly, avoiding costly disruptions. Unions don’t just protect workers; they protect the economy from the instability of exploitation.

Finally, unions foster innovation. Better pay and job security let workers focus on ideas, not just survival. Take 3M, for example: its union-backed R&D programs famously led to breakthroughs like Post-it Notes. According to the Economic Policy Institute, unions contribute to due process and provide a democratic voice, enabling workers to advocate for improvements without fear of retaliation. A factory worker who suggests efficiency improvements because he knows his job is safe drives productivity. Unions create conditions where creativity flourishes, fueling the technological advances that grow economies.

Critics might say unions are costly, but the data shows the opposite. A 2021 study by the International Monetary Fund found no link between union wages and inflation in advanced economies, debunking the myth of a "wage-price spiral." The short-term "cost" of fair wages is dwarfed by long-term gains in productivity and demand. Unions aren’t perfect, but their net effect is clear: they build economies from the ground up. By putting power in workers’ hands, they create a rising tide that lifts all boats.

In closing, unions are more than a safeguard—they’re an engine. They turn fair treatment into economic fuel, stability into growth, and worker potential into progress. The evidence is undeniable: when unions are strong, economies are stronger. Will you stand for policies that empower workers and growth? Tell Congress to pass the PRO Act—it’s the fastest way to protect union rights and ensure our economy works for everyone. Thank you.


(Optional) Question 5: Which factors were most crucial in your assessment?
(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)?

If you find that you can't submit the results, please check back to see if you have filled in your name and if you have answered every required question with *. Thank you.

© CMU Debate Team