Some economists criticise high government spending and trade unions for creating market disequilibrium. However, trade unions may also play a key role in economic development. There are over 60 trade unions in Singapore, in both labour-intensive and capital-intensive industries. Analyse how trade unions could increase economic development.

Coherent analysis which might include:
Trade unions could help engage in collective bargaining on wages (1)
higher wages (1) leads to higher purchasing power of workers (1).
May increase motivation of workers (1) increase output (1).
Better working hours (1) improved working conditions (1) protect
workers’ rights (1) better health and safety (1) more job security (1)
leads to higher standards of living (1) higher life expectancy (1).
Increased productivity / efficiency of workers (1) decreases cost of
production (1) decrease final price of goods and services produced in
the country (1) increase competitiveness (1) higher output / economic
growth (1).
May help with training (1) raise quality of output (1).