Workers
Cambridge IGCSE Economics (0455) · Unit 3: Microeconomic decision makers · 9 flashcards
Workers is topic 3.3 in the Cambridge IGCSE Economics (0455) syllabus , positioned in Unit 3 — Microeconomic decision makers , alongside Money and banking, Households and Trade unions. In one line: Labour refers to the human effort, both physical and mental, used in the production of goods and services. It's a key factor influencing output, and its quality affects overall productivity.
This topic is examined in Paper 1 (multiple-choice) and Paper 2 (structured questions, including data-response items).
The deck below contains 9 flashcards — 5 definitions and 4 key concepts — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward. Use the 5 definition cards to lock down command-word answers (define, state), then move on to the concept and application cards to handle explain, describe and compare questions.
The term 'labour' as a factor of production
Labour refers to the human effort, both physical and mental, used in the production of goods and services. It's a key factor influencing output, and its quality affects overall productivity.
Questions this Workers deck will help you answer
- › Define 'collective bargaining' and explain its significance.
- › Explain the potential effects of a minimum wage law on unemployment.
- › Discuss two factors, other than wages, that might affect a worker's choice of employment.
- › Outline the potential benefits and drawbacks of joining a trade union for a worker.
Define the term 'labour' as a factor of production.
Labour refers to the human effort, both physical and mental, used in the production of goods and services. It's a key factor influencing output, and its quality affects overall productivity.
Differentiate between a wage and a salary.
A wage is typically an hourly rate paid to workers, often for manual or unskilled labor. A salary is a fixed payment, usually paid monthly or annually, regardless of hours worked; often associated with professional or managerial roles. A factory worker may earn a wage, while a manager earns a salary.
Explain the difference between employment and unemployment.
Employment refers to the state of actively having a job and earning income. Unemployment refers to the state of actively seeking work but being unable to find a job. High employment generally indicates a strong economy, while high unemployment suggests economic weakness.
What is a trade union and what is its main purpose?
A trade union is an organized association of workers formed to protect and promote their rights and interests in the workplace. Its primary purpose is to improve wages, working conditions, and job security for its members through collective bargaining.
Define 'collective bargaining' and explain its significance.
Collective bargaining is the negotiation process between an employer and a trade union representing the employees. It aims to reach an agreement on issues such as wages, working hours, and other terms of employment. It allows workers to have a stronger voice and influence.
Explain the potential effects of a minimum wage law on unemployment.
A minimum wage law sets a legal minimum hourly wage that employers must pay. If set too high, it can potentially lead to increased unemployment as employers may reduce the number of workers they hire to control costs. However, it can also increase living standards for low-wage workers.
Define 'labour productivity' and explain how it can be improved.
Labour productivity measures the output per worker in a given period. It can be improved through investment in training and education, technological advancements, improved management techniques, and better worker motivation.
Discuss two factors, other than wages, that might affect a worker's choice of employment.
Two factors are: Working conditions (
Outline the potential benefits and drawbacks of joining a trade union for a worker.
Benefits: Improved wages and working conditions through collective bargaining, job security, and representation in disputes. Drawbacks: Union dues, potential pressure to conform to union decisions, and possible involvement in industrial action (strikes).
Key Questions: Workers
Define the term 'labour' as a factor of production.
Labour refers to the human effort, both physical and mental, used in the production of goods and services. It's a key factor influencing output, and its quality affects overall productivity.
Differentiate between a wage and a salary.
A wage is typically an hourly rate paid to workers, often for manual or unskilled labor. A salary is a fixed payment, usually paid monthly or annually, regardless of hours worked; often associated with professional or managerial roles. A factory worker may earn a wage, while a manager earns a salary.
Explain the difference between employment and unemployment.
Employment refers to the state of actively having a job and earning income. Unemployment refers to the state of actively seeking work but being unable to find a job. High employment generally indicates a strong economy, while high unemployment suggests economic weakness.
What is a trade union and what is its main purpose?
A trade union is an organized association of workers formed to protect and promote their rights and interests in the workplace. Its primary purpose is to improve wages, working conditions, and job security for its members through collective bargaining.
Define 'labour productivity' and explain how it can be improved.
Labour productivity measures the output per worker in a given period. It can be improved through investment in training and education, technological advancements, improved management techniques, and better worker motivation.
More topics in Unit 3 — Microeconomic decision makers
Workers sits alongside these Economics decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.
Cambridge syllabus keywords to use in your answers
These are the official Cambridge 0455 terms tagged to this section. Mark schemes credit responses that use the exact term — weave them into your answers verbatim rather than paraphrasing.
Key terms covered in this Workers deck
Every term below is defined in the flashcards above. Use the list as a quick recall test before your exam — if you can't define one of these in your own words, flip back to that card.
How to study this Workers deck
Start in Study Mode, attempt each card before flipping, then rate Hard, Okay or Easy. Cards you rate Hard come back within a day; cards you rate Easy push out to weeks. Your progress is saved in your browser, so come back daily for 5–10 minute reviews until every card reads Mastered.
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