In A Better Bargain, Martin Manley delivers a compelling case for a modern form of income bargaining to grow America’s vital middle class. He describes why investments in education, technology, or trade are unlikely to raise the pay of below-median workers. He argues that higher minimum wages or basic incomes can reduce poverty, but do little for those earning $40-$70,000 per year.Writing as a former union organizer, Assistant US Labor Secretary, and successful technology entrepreneur, Manley challenges conventional wisdom about how best to distribute pay in a modern economy. This well-crafted and provocative narrative describes how employers can organize to strengthen labor markets with unions that are as easy to form, join, or quit as a bowling league.A Better Bargain is a manifesto for renewing the American middle class. It outlines the rules, incentives, and information needed for income bargaining to grow competitive businesses, strengthen civil society, and once again award larger pay raises to those who earn the least.Advance Praise for A Better Bargain"To rebuild our middle class, Americans need strong and effective labor unions. In A Better Bargain, Marty Manley describes 21st-century labor organizations that can grow without corporate interference. His new and provocative approach to income bargaining can help American workers take home a fair share of the wealth they help produce." Robert Reich Former US Secretary of Labor Chancellor’s Professor of Public Policy at UC Berkeley Author, The Common Good and Saving Capitalism For the Many, Not the Few.“Income inequality has weakened our communities and threatens our country. It demands new institutions as well as policies. Marty Manley combines a deep understanding of Silicon Valley startups and labor unions to outline an innovative approach to organizing companies as well as workers to improve the skill and the pay of those who earn the least. A powerful, provocative read.” Tim O'Reilly Founder and CEO, O'Reilly Media Author, WTF: What’s the Future and Why It’s Up to Us"Marty Manley argues not only for modern labor unions, but for employer organizations that can help strengthen labor markets. I hope that this book gets widespread attention during the 2020 election." James Bessen Founder, Bestinfo Lecturer, Boston University School of Law Author, Learning by Doing: The Real Connection Between Innovation, Wages, and Wealth"There is no more important debate in the 2020 elections than how to strengthen the ability of American workers to organize unions and bargain their own pay. Marty Manley has kicked off this debate with reforms that deserve wide readership and discussion." Leo Gerard President, United Steelworkers