Q5

[yeun2]

I understand why B is correct but why are C and E wrong? Wouldn't the differential in wages decrease and this could be a way of counteracting the decrease in union power to raise wages?

Thanks in advance!

[ohthatpatrick]

(B) is correct because the keywords in the question stem match up with what's being discussed in 58-66.

Line 58 says "if state right-to-work laws weaken the economic power of unions to raise wages"
The question stem says "a decrease in unions' economic power to raise wages in right-to-work states"

That's how we know we're looking in the right place.

What would counteract the effects?
Line 63: "experience a decline unless there is strong economic growth ... creating labor shortages"

I'm answering your question in this robotic way to tell you that you should be thinking about how you're expected to get correct answers on "According to the passage" differently:
- match up the keywords in the question stem with a moment in the passage
- find the detail they're looking for
- pick your answer with a line reference

The rationale you're giving yourself for other answers is off the page. Just find where they said it!

But as to your rationale, wage differential is an EFFECT of unions' power, not a CAUSE.

Changing the differential wouldn't change the unions' power. The unions' power in a state is based on whether employers are FORCED to work with a union (and must therefore agree to higher wages / better conditions) or whether, in right-to-work states, they're allowed to hire non-union employees, and pay them less if they so choose.

The wage differential is a topic about how much blacks vs. whites benefit from being in a union.

The stronger the union is, the more effect joining the union would have on an employee, thus the more wage differential would be affected.