Jeannette Lee, 17, Diocesan Girls' School
Independent labour unions are formed basically because workers want collective bargaining. Unions exist to protect the rights and interests of workers, and when workers get what they want, they theoretically should be more productive.
But this is not always the case in reality. Strong labour unions can lead to frequent strikes, which actually brings production to a halt. The continual quest of workers for a better quality of life can result in disruptions to the economy. What is more, protesters on the streets results in social disruption.
Take Germany as an example, where strikes have crippled production at BMW and Volkswagen, the country's two major automakers. In Britain, the power of the labour unions has caused cost-push inflation.
In the case of car manufacturing, the unions have driven production costs to a point where makers can't compete with auto plants that are not unionised. It would be better if workers' interests were protected by laws and the structure of the market.
There are peaceful and effective alternatives for workers' to maintain their rights in Hong Kong.
With the establishment of the Labour Advisory Board, the interests of workers can be maintained, while providing a platform for employers and employees to negotiate. The Legislative Council could do more to represent worker interests, allowing their voices to be heard and their interests to be represented.