A union in Iowa has demanded the restoration of negotiation rights for public workers.
The Iowa union has urged the restoration of negotiation rights for public workers.
The city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was the setting for the following events.
The local public workers’ union is demanding the restoration of their rights after a law was enacted in 2017 that resulted in modifications to collective bargaining.
On Monday, Teamsters Local 238 stated that certain matters, including healthcare, layoffs, and evaluation procedures, cannot be negotiated under the law.
Seven years on, workers continue to encounter obstacles in advocating for themselves. Bus drivers, in particular, struggle with the challenges of low recruitment and high turnover, which makes it even more difficult for them to assert their rights.
According to the union and its workers, the previous guidelines were crucial in ensuring safe and equitable working conditions for careers that play a vital role in improving local communities. As a result, they are currently advocating for the reinstatement of these guidelines.
Rick Moyle, Executive Director of the Hawkeye Area Labor Council, emphasized the importance of essential workers in our daily lives. They teach our children, transport them to and from school, maintain our roads, serve as police officers and firefighters, and work for our cities and counties. Moyle stated that they are the foundation of our state, ensuring safety and keeping things running smoothly every day.
Jesse Case, the Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 238, expressed that public servants are the foundation of our community and they deserve to have their dignity restored. He added that they are highly respected by the residents, but it is equally important for the politicians in Des Moines to acknowledge their hard work and give them the respect they deserve.
In their efforts to promote the initiative, Teamsters are advocating across the state. A press conference, similar to the one held in Davenport in early July, was hosted by them.
