Writing Workshop

Unit 82: Labour Law, Unions & Workers' Rights

Task (Cambridge C1 Advanced, Part 2)

Question: Your company is considering a new policy that would limit the ability of employees to join trade unions and participate in collective bargaining. You have been asked by your Regional Manager to write a report outlining the potential advantages and disadvantages of this policy. You should evaluate how these changes might affect employee morale and long-term productivity.

Write your report. You must write between 220-260 words.

Tips (en español)

• Structure: Para un report, utiliza subtítulos claros para cada sección (e.g., Introduction, Impact on Morale, Conclusion). Esto ayuda al lector a navegar por la información.
• Register: Mantén un tono formal y objetivo. Evita contracciones (use do not instead of don't) y evita el lenguaje emocional o excesivamente subjetivo.
• Linking: Utiliza conectores de transición avanzados para organizar tus argumentos (e.g., Furthermore, Conversely, Notwithstanding). No te limites a and o but.
• Hedging: En el nivel C1, es vital usar el "lenguaje de precaución" (hedging). En lugar de decir "This will cause strikes", usa "This could potentially lead to industrial action". Esto demuestra sofisticación.
• Evaluación de ideas: No te limites a listar pros y contras. Debes analizar la relación entre ellos (por ejemplo, cómo la falta de derechos puede afectar la productividad a largo plazo).
• Time management: Dedica 5 minutos a planificar la estructura, 35 minutos a escribir y 5 minutos finales a revisar errores gramaticales y de ortografía.

Useful language

Model answer

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Report on Proposed Changes to Union Participation Policy

Introduction The purpose of this report is to evaluate the implications of the proposed policy regarding limitations on trade union involvement within the company. This assessment focuses on the potential impact on employee morale and overall productivity.

Potential Advantages Proponents of the policy suggest that reducing union influence could streamline decision-making processes and allow for more flexible operational management. By diminishing collective bargaining complexities, the company might achieve greater agility in implementing new corporate strategies.

Impact on Morale and Productivity However, it is highly probable that these changes could be perceived as an infringement on workers' rights. Such a move might lead to a significant decline in employee morale, as staff may feel undervalued and disenfranchised.

Furthermore, while the policy aims for efficiency, it could inadvertently trigger industrial action or high staff turnover. A sense of job insecurity often results in diminished engagement, which would ultimately undermine long-term productivity. Instead of fostering agility, the company might face constant friction between management and the workforce.

Conclusion and Recommendations In light of the above, while the policy offers certain administrative advantages, the risks to corporate culture and stability are substantial. It is recommended that the company maintains current union relations to ensure a harmonious working environment. To mitigate risks, any changes to labour relations should be approached with extreme caution to avoid jeopardising productivity.

(248 words)

Marking checklist

• Content: ¿Has respondido a todas las partes de la tarea? (Pros, contras, moral y productividad).
• Communicative Achievement: ¿El tono es formal y adecuado para un informe dirigido a un manager? ¿Has usado el hedging para sonar profesional?
• Organisation: ¿Has usado subtítulos claros y conectores lógicos para que el texto fluya de forma natural?
• Language: ¿Has demostrado un vocabulario de nivel C1 (e.g., disenfranchised, mitigate, infringement) y una gramática compleja sin errores básicos?