It’s harder and harder for working Americans to get by these days, and it’s not by accident. This redistribution of wealth to the very top is squeezing the middle class out of existence. It’s weakening the foundations of our economy and our nation. We need to reinvest in the people who work hard to provide critical services that make America great.

Streets need cleaning. Families need care. Students deserve well-run schools, and our neighborhoods demand safety. That’s why people who work in public service never stop. This isn’t just a job. Nobody does this work to get rich. It’s hard work, and it’s largely unsung. The work matters because it means something to make a community better. In fact, it means everything.

Collective bargaining is the negotiating process between management and unions to settle a variety of issues, including wages, hours, plant and safety rules, and grievance procedures. It's called "collective bargaining" because the union employees, collectively, are negotiating with management through union representatives. Each side is obligated by law to negotiate in good faith, which generally means openness and fairness.