Biden Wants to Run Your Business… | May 2024
In the wake of President Biden’s tenure, concerns about the overreach of executive power and its implications for businesses have come to the forefront. Promises of unity and bipartisanship have seemingly given way to a series of executive orders and regulatory measures that could fundamentally alter the landscape of American enterprise. With the administration’s focus on bolstering unions and enacting stringent regulations, the future of free enterprise hangs in the balance.
One of the most alarming aspects of the Biden administration’s approach is its utilization of executive orders and regulatory maneuvers to enact sweeping changes, circumventing the traditional legislative process. Despite campaign pledges of inclusivity, these actions have raised concerns about the erosion of democratic principles and the imposition of policies that could adversely affect businesses and their employees. At the heart of the matter is the administration’s fervent support for organized labor, evidenced by President Biden’s declaration to be the most union-friendly president in history. While this may resonate with a segment of the workforce, the ramifications for businesses, particularly those adhering to the Merit Shop philosophy, are profound.
A closer look at recent regulatory developments reveals a pattern of measures that threaten the foundations of free enterprise:
NLRB Rules on Union Organizing:
The National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) new rules on union organizing have raised eyebrows by stripping employees of the right to a secret ballot and imposing tighter deadlines for employer responses. Critics argue that these changes set labor law back decades, undermining the principles of fairness and democratic representation.
Davis-Bacon Projects:
Changes to how wages are calculated and benefits handled in Davis-Bacon projects have significant implications for businesses operating in the construction sector. The alteration of longstanding practices could disrupt project planning and strain employer-employee relations.
Overtime Rule:
The Department of Labor’s (DOL) new overtime rule, impacting salaried employees earning below a certain threshold, introduces added financial burdens for businesses already grappling with economic uncertainties. Compliance with these regulations could strain budgets and hinder operational flexibility.
Noncompete Clause Ban:
The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) ban on noncompete clauses not only affects employee contracts but also introduces uncertainties in project and vendor agreements. The broad scope of this measure could impede innovation and hinder businesses’ ability to protect intellectual property.
Registered Apprenticeship Rule:
Despite promoting apprenticeship as a means to educate the future workforce, the DOL’s new rule could stifle the expansion of apprenticeship programs and deter employer participation. This could exacerbate skills gaps and hinder economic growth.
PLAs on Federal Projects:
The executive order mandating Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) on federal projects over a certain threshold has sparked controversy, with critics alleging discrimination against the majority of the construction workforce. This move runs counter to principles of fairness and equal opportunity.
In response to these regulatory challenges, organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors are mobilizing to defend the interests of businesses and promote the principles of free enterprise. Legal challenges against overreaching mandates underscore the importance of advocacy and engagement in the political process.
Looking ahead, the stakes are high for businesses as they navigate a landscape shaped by government policies and regulations. The enduring principle that “elections have consequences” rings true, emphasizing the need for active participation in shaping the future of business-friendly policies.
In conclusion, the Biden administration’s approach to governance has raised concerns about the preservation of free enterprise and the rights of businesses to operate without undue interference. As stakeholders grapple with the implications of regulatory changes, the imperative to safeguard democratic principles and economic freedoms has never been more pressing. Business leaders must heed the call to action: engage in politics or risk the erosion of the foundations upon which free enterprise thrives.
