Recent discussions at a Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee have begun in favor of implementing a work council modeled after the German forbearer. The council would consist of all level employees meeting periodically to dialogue about work place issues. The council would risk illegality by forming in opposition to unions, however, thus spiriting talks between Volkswagen and the U.A.W to form union based work in cohesion with the councils. Pressure has burdened the company from a non-supportive governor as well as neighboring companies who are not ready to move in a similar direction.
See "VW and Auto Workers Explore Union at Tennessee Plant", Steven Greenhouse, The New York Times, September 5, 2013