In the United States the middle class and working families keep getting less and less of the economic pie that they play such a critical role in creating.

Why are workers in Western Europe, Scandinavia, and Australia doing so much better? A key factor is the much higher percentage of workers in these countries who belong to unions. This translates into much greater bargaining power. ...

What happened in Chattanooga is starting to become much clearer, thanks to some excellent investigative journalism by Mike Williams of WTVF-TV in Nashville. And what happened could have far-reaching implications beyond Chattanooga.

Williams reported on Monday that he obtained confidential documents that show how far Tenn. Gov. Bill Haslam and GOP state lawmakers were willing to go to make sure workers would not have their right to union representation. Haslam, according to the documents, essentially ...

In recent weeks, there has been a lot of chatter about union versus nonunion, what value unions can bring, and whether a union has any value in a state like Tennessee.

The best response is to take a look at how collective bargaining and collaboration saved nearly 2,400 jobs of Tennesseans and created more than $350 million in investments for workers and communities in Tennessee. ...

On Feb. 12-14, Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tenn., will vote in an election that could drastically change the future of U.S. labor-management relations. VW workers will be deciding whether to join the UAW and establish the country’s first works council.

With growing concerns about health care, workplace safety and temporary, low-wage jobs, there is no doubt that the American work force wants to see a change in 2014. The question is whether we will address our challenges collaboratively. ...

Between 2009 and 2012, incomes of the top 1 percent grew by 31 percent, while incomes of the bottom 40 percent fell by six percent. Unemployment is still at 7 percent, and there are 4 million long-term unemployed. Unemployment insurance and food stamps increase consumer spending, which is exactly what our economy needs. Yet Republicans ...

Many a jaw dropped at the UAW’s support for the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement. The UAW seeks fair trade and a more equitable global economy that raises the standard of living for workers who have created enormous wealth around the world. The union has a proud history of advocating for fair trade and believes that worker and consumer ...

In a couple of months, Americans will have new options for health care coverage. The health insurance exchanges established by the Affordable Care Act started enrolling individuals on Oct. 1. By providing individuals and small businesses with understandable information, apples-to-apples plan comparisons and a competitive marketplace, the ...