Answer the following question based on the information given below:
Leaders of a miner’s union on strike against Coalco are contemplating additional measures to pressure the company to accept the union’s contract proposal. The union leaders are considering as their principal new tactic a consumer boycott against Gasco gas stations, which are owned by Energy Incorporated, the same corporation that owns Coalco.
Answer to which of the following questions is LEAST directly relevant to the union leader’s consideration of whether attempting a boycott of Gasco will lead to acceptance of their contract proposal?
Whether corporations, other than Energy Incorporated, that own coal companies also own gas stations is not directly relevant to whether attempting a boycott of Gasco gas stations will coerce Coalco to accept the contract proposal. Thus choice E is the best answer. Each of the other four questions is relevant to evaluating the chances the union strategy has of succeeding. Choice A bears on whether the strategy would apply sufficient economic pressure on Energy Incorporated. Choice B is relevant to whether consumers can respond to the call for a boycott. Choice C is relevant to whether the union’s contract proposal is a reasonable one. Choice D is relevant because a successful precedent would favorably reflect on the union’s chances of success.