What are the worker's rights and how does Jurgis react being asked to join a union?

Workers’ rights generally refer to the legal and moral entitlements of workers in relation to their employment. These rights can include fair wages, safe working conditions, the right to organize and join labor unions, protection from discrimination, and the right to rest breaks, among others. The aim is to ensure that workers are treated with dignity and respect, and that they have the tools necessary to advocate for their well-being. In Upton Sinclair's novel "The Jungle," the protagonist Jurgis Rudkus is initially skeptical about unions. As an immigrant and laborer in the Chicago meatpacking industry, Jurgis faces harsh working conditions, exploitation, and a lack of job security. When he is approached about joining a union, he reacts with a mix of confusion and resistance, as he has been conditioned to believe that individual hard work is the path to success. This stems from his background and the societal attitudes towards labor at the time. Throughout the story, as Jurgis faces increased hardships and injustices, he gradually begins to understand the importance of collective action and solidarity among workers. His journey highlights the struggles workers face and the gradual awakening to the necessity of organizing for better rights and conditions. Ultimately, his evolving perspective on labor unions reflects the broader themes of the novel regarding exploitation and the fight for workers' rights in an industrial society.