In remarks to the AFL-CIO’s Executive Council today President Obama again reiterated the Administration’s commitment to seek passage of the jobs-killing Employee Free Choice Act. The President told the assembled group of labor union officials:

Getting EFCA through the Senate is gonna be tough, but we’re going to keep on pushing.

President quickly followed that statement up affirming the Administration’s plans to use federal regulatory agencies to implement labor’s agenda. The President said officials have already made numerous policies changes through pro-union executive orders and appointments at both the National Mediation Board and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

The President said:

My administration has consistently implemented not just legislative strategies but also where we have the power through executive orders to make sure that those basic values are reflected.

He said that the fight for EFCA in the Senate will be tough but “Our work doesn’t stop there. There is a reason why we nominated people the National Mediation Board.” He said “we’re going to make sure that the National Labor Relations Board is restored…”

The President is conceding what we (employers) have consistently warned against: In failing to push through Congress the policies demanded by labor like card check legislation, he is instead using the Executive Branch and regulatory agencies to achieve the same policy end. The outcome will be a system that increases labor-management conflict, undermines the dynamic labor marketplace, and adds huge new costs to U.S. businesses struggling to create jobs and stay competitive in the global economy.

But in doing so, the President circumvents Congress and, we contend, the majority of the American people who do not embrace an economy dominated by labor.