The Chamber is prepared to work with unions on issues where there is room for compromise but is ready to fight on behalf of employers against expansion of family leave, mandatory paid leave, and efforts to cut employers out of the union election process, says the Chamber's Vice President of Labor, Immigration & Employee Benefits Randy Johnson.

"We will be forced to compromise on some issues," Johnson said during the Chamber's annual Labor Day briefing on August 28, "But we believe the unions will continue to play the political card on the Hill," and refuse to compromise.

Johnson suggested the two sides could have a rational debate on issues such as pay equity, discrimination and the National Labor Relations Act. However, there is no room for compromise on card check legislation, which would effectively take away employees' right to private ballot elections in union organizing campaigns and would allow government arbitrators to step in and impose a contract on the terms and conditions of employment.

Expanding the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or requiring a certain number of paid days off would also lead to a "dog fight," Johnson said. "Anyone who believes that employers will just swallow these new and unfunded mandates without a fight is incorrect," Johnson said about both proposals.

Johnson pointed out that employers provide valuable employee benefits, including time off, while facing escalating operational costs. "On Labor Day and other days, employers do not get the fair shake they deserve."