In the midst of all the talk about a possible union forming at VW’s Chattanooga plant, WTVC NewsChannel 9 is giving the public a chance to join the discussion. NewsChannel 9 will host Town Hall: Your Voice, Your Future on Thursday at 7 p.m. at The Berry Auditorium on the campus of Chattanooga State Community College. The public is invited to attend or watch live and interact from home via Facebook and Twitter.
“Expanded union representation in our community is a major issue, not only for VW and its employees, but for all of us,” says Mike Costa, general manager of NewsChannel 9. “How might it affect jobs, economic development, even other companies not connected with VW? These are questions that need to be talked about and the public has a right to let their voice be heard.”
Town Hall: Your Voice, Your Future will feature a panel of four guests, representing both sides of the issue, that will debate the pros and cons of the unionization. There will also be experts on hand to give perspectives on the labor movement in America, its impact on wages and economic development, as well as a look at the European ‘Work Council’ model. In addition, both audience members and viewers at home will have a chance to comment and ask questions during the 90-minute event.
Panelists include: Matt Patterson of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, Chris Brooks of Chattanooga Organized for Action and others representing each side.
Those who’d like to attend are asked to register for a seat at Newschannl9.com/townhall. Seating is limited. Doors open at 6 p.m.
The event will be broadcast live on This! TV (digital ch. 9.2) and streamed online at NewsChannel9.com. Viewers who’d like to interact online, may post their questions and comments on the Facebook page or on Twitter, #NC9townhall. Viewers may also email questions and comments to townhall@newschannel9.com.