United Steelworkers (USW) International President Leo W. Gerard spoke with progressive talk show host Thom Hartmann about negotiations between the President and Republicans to avoid the so-called fiscal cliff, economic inequality and the future of organized labor.

They talked about how Republicans continue to support the ultra-rich while ignoring the needs of ordinary folks in America. "These guys are so disconnected from reality, it's hard to believe," said Gerard.

As they discussed the imbalance of wealth, he said, "We have the most inequality since the great depression ... If we are going to have a society where people are going to work with dignity, retire with dignity and raise their kids with dignity, we can't do it unless we have collective bargaining back in the system."