The union plan calls for creation of an independent government commission to decide future immigration of temporary and permanent workers based on labor market needs. The commission would be required to examine the impact of immigration on the economy, wages, the work force and business.
"It goes to the question of how do we take employers, who are in many cases the bad actors in this, and have somebody make the decisions based on real needs rather than politics or economic gain," said Eliseo Medina, executive vice president of the Service Employees International Union, a member of Change to Win.
But many employers who rely on seasonal guest workers say they are frustrated with government limitations and need more help.
"We are skeptical of a commission actually being able to do a real time, up-to-date evaluation of the labor market because the labor market always moves ahead of government statistics," said Randel Johnson, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's vice president on labor issues.
Johnson called the union plan an excuse to oppose expanding temporary worker programs that many business leaders see as crucial for a recovering economy.
Union leaders said their plan has earned positive feedback from the White House as well as immigration advocacy and civil rights groups.
"It goes to the question of how do we take employers, who are in many cases the bad actors in this, and have somebody make the decisions based on real needs rather than politics or economic gain," said Eliseo Medina, executive vice president of the Service Employees International Union, a member of Change to Win.
But many employers who rely on seasonal guest workers say they are frustrated with government limitations and need more help.
"We are skeptical of a commission actually being able to do a real time, up-to-date evaluation of the labor market because the labor market always moves ahead of government statistics," said Randel Johnson, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's vice president on labor issues.
Johnson called the union plan an excuse to oppose expanding temporary worker programs that many business leaders see as crucial for a recovering economy.
Union leaders said their plan has earned positive feedback from the White House as well as immigration advocacy and civil rights groups.