Timothy Phelps.
HARRISBURG PA – A delegation of chamber of commerce executives from across Pennsylvania, including TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce President P. Timothy Phelps, went knocking on state legislators’ doors last week (June 16, 2009) to let them know the execs’ opinions on issues affecting businesses their organizations represent.
The discussions were polite, but pointed, the Pottstown-based TriCounty chamber reported in a press release. Lower Pottsgrove (PA) Township is a chamber member.
On Phelps’ mind during the visit were proposed regulations that could impose binding arbitration to settle disputes between employers and their workers. “Arbitration is a time-consuming, expensive process, and could take years to complete. This will directly affect small businesses that need revenue to grow, not to be spent on the arbitration process,” Phelps said.
Of other interest to chamber execs were the progress, or lack of it, regarding the state’s budget; and energy-related issues. Also discussed were the proposed other labor-related matters and the federal economic stimulus program. State budget discussions were led by Senate Appropriations Chairman Jake Corman and House Appropriations Chairman Rep. Dwight Evans.
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry’s “Chamber Day on Capitol Hill” is an annual opportunity for local chambers to meet with key state lawmakers and their legislative staffs and showcase their organizations.
Photo from the TriCounty Chamber
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The intent of having the hammer of “Binding Arbitration” hanging over business’s is to provide a reasonable action for employee’s. Business owners will be less tempted to force employee’s into these situations because of the very costs mentioned.
Some might say these laws are balancing acts to even out the rights of employers and employee’s.
Certainly an owner would attempt to seek some compromise rather than go all the way and make a situation into a drawn out proposition that jeapordizes the business’s viability.
The only thing that comes out of the barn where there are two stubborn mules is two stubborn bruised and black and blue mules…