Despite the claim that a strike is the "ultimate weapon" for workers, strikes are never in the interest of workers. Strikes are an outdated tool that cannot work now, and were never all that effective. It does not make sense for workers to rush to an ineffective extreme and go on strike. If workers stopped to think about their interests, they would realize that strikes do not help them achieve their goals. Another reason strikes are not in the interest of workers is that strikes are likely to breed contempt for the workers, as opposed to creating sympathy. Strikes do not affect just the workers and employer. Rather, others are harmed by strikes. For example, in 2005, when New York City transit workers went on strike, the masses of people who rely on public transportation in New York City were forced to walk, take taxis, or find other means of transport about the island. In addition, other workers who rely upon the products or services produced by the striking workers have their work affected. As the other workers who are not involved in the strike feel the effects of the strike, they are more likely to resent the striking workers than they are to put pressure on the strikers' employer to end the strike. Being despised is typically not in anyone's interest.

1. How would you word the issue and conclusion of this essay?

2. Is relevant information missing from the argument?

Clue: What would you like to know before deciding whether the author is correct?

3. Does the argument contain significant ambiguity?

Clue: What word or phrases could have multiple meanings, where changing the meaning either strengthens or weakens the argument?

4. Write an essay that someone who holds an opinion opposite to that of the essay author might write.

Clue: What other ethical norms could influence an opinion about this issue?