The Battle Takes Shape

Chamber Vows to Fight Labor Agenda

"More government interventions in the workforce will not make our country's workers more competitive," Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao told a U.S. Chamber audience.

A major battle over labor policy, with huge implications for business, is brewing as both sides gear up in anticipation of a new administration and a new Congress.

"Some things are worth fighting for, such as how and to what extent the government should be involved in the workplace," U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue said at an October 2 labor policy conference at Chamber headquarters.

Card check legislation is organized labor's top priority, according to economists, employer and labor representatives, and presidential campaign advisors who spoke at the conference. The card check bill would effectively take away the ability to use secret ballot elections during union organizing, impose a government-arbitrated first contract after a union is recognized, and increase civil fines for violations of labor law by employers, but not by unions. Here are some other labor priorities:

The Respect Act, which would allow the inclusion of many more supervisors and managers in union bargaining units.
The Patriot Employers Act, which would withhold tax breaks for employers unless they meet certain conditions, for example, not opposing union campaign efforts.
The Working Families Flexibility Act, which would subject employers to Department of Labor investigations and hearings if employees' requests for changes in their working conditions-including hours, schedule, and even location-were denied.
The Fair Pay Act, which would require equal pay for unequal jobs based on "comparable worth."

Go to www.voteforbusiness.net/ and ask Congress to oppose the radical labor agenda.

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