A New Term for Concern: The High Road Contracting Policy

Before taking too much joy in the initial defeat of Craig Becker's nomination to the NLRB, the business community, particularly government contractors, should be aware of a different approach that is beginning to be considered. That approach would use the power of the purse, government contracting, to achieve labor friendly policies. The story in the Daily Caller,White House considers pro-labor policy for government contractors points out that some Senators are already raising questions about the possible policy action.

For a more in depth look at the ideas behind the policy, check out The Road to Responsible Contracting a report prepared by the National Employment Law Project. The basic argument is that government should focus not just on lowest dollar, but on other requirements as well. Requirements like compliance with labor and employment laws, employers that pay health benefits etc.

Think Davis-Bacon on steroids.

The old saying that there is more than one way to skin a cat comes to mind. The concern of course is who ends up getting skinned.