IN UNITY THERE IS STRENGTH

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D e a s ow Moines I NEWS IOWAVolume 17, Issue 2 Official Publication of the Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO October 2017 The Secretary-Treasurer's Notes . . . How The Iowa Federation Of Labor Endorses gress. The national AFL-CIO makes ment, or it is also possible that The IFL executive board makes endorsements for President of the the Republican leadership has in- recommendations as well for fed- United States. Local AFL-CIO bod- structed their candidates not to fill eral candidates, as well as for state- ies such as chapters or labor coun- out our questionnaire. Whatever wide offices to the COPE Commit- cils make endorsements at the city, the reason, without giving us the tee. The COPE Committee, which county, and school level. courtesy of stating your positions is made up of the executive board IFL Secretary-Treasurer and signing your name to it you as well as the local AFL-CIO body Charlie Wishman How does the IFL make a decision are not eligible for an endorsement, Presidents then consider those en- There is a view often perpetuat- on who to endorse? nor would you deserve one regard- dorsements. These too can be over- ed by entertainment and lazy news First, to be eligible for an en- less of party. turned by the COPE Convention sources that union endorsements dorsement, a questionnaire on is- body. The 2/3rds rule still applies automatically go to Democrats, sues important to labor must be What happens at the COPE to these candidates as well. and that these decisions are made filled out. In 1989, at the IFL con- Convention? by some shady “union boss” that is vention, the body voted after much COPE (Committee on Political What if someone wasn’t endorsed “wasting dues on politics.” Work- debate to make this a requirement, Education). Shortly after the filing at the COPE Convention, can they ers need to fight for a seat at the even for incumbents. Incumbents deadline, usually in early April, still earn an endorsement? table through politics and not ig- can change their opinions on is- the Iowa Federation of Labor holds If someone wasn’t endorsed in nore it, because so many decisions sues, and the way someone an- in government affect your working swered a question five or ten years life and your family’s livelihood. ago may not still be the way they Some of you may wonder, how is view the world. Also, changes in It's Your Right . . . it that the Iowa Federation of La- law or other circumstances may re- bor makes its endorsements? Every quire that the IFL record an incum- union and labor organization has bent’s position on an issue that was different ways of evaluating and never asked before because it was supporting candidates. This is how not relevant. the IFL does it. As candidates file to run for offic- es, and up until the filing deadline Who does the IFL endorse? candidates are sent mailed ques- The Iowa Federation of Labor is tionnaires. These questions that responsible in the AFL-CIO struc- candidates are evaluated on are not ture for races from the Iowa State asking about “social issues,” but Legislature to United States Con- about issues important to workers. At the same time this happens, lo- cal AFL-CIO bodies visit with can- didates and get to know them and their stances in better detail. As the what is called the “COPE Conven- April at the COPE Convention, state federation receives the ques- tion.” At this convention, locals endorsements can be taken up by tionnaires, they are forwarded on from all over the state send dele- the COPE Committee at the Con- to the local AFL-CIO body in their gates to weigh in on endorsements. vention in the summer. If there is PAID area. Local AFL-CIO bodies give recom- a short time frame to have an en- U.S. POSTAGE U.S. PRESORT INC PRESORT These questionnaires are confi- mendations to the COPE Conven- dorsement such as a special elec-

NON-PROFIT ORG. NON-PROFIT dential, and no answers are shared tion as to what they would prefer tion, the executive board can take with anyone outside of the AFL- for an endorsement for races in action alone in those cases, how- CIO structure, nor are they used their area. Most of the time these ever the questionnaire and 2/3rds against any particular candidate. are followed, however sometimes rule still apply. Unfortunately, while question- the body votes a different way than naires are mailed to anyone who is recommended. To receive an en- This sounds complicated. has filed regardless of party, a dorsement regardless of the office, Yes, it is in a way. However, as very low number of Republicans a candidate must have 2/3rds of the a coalition organization we must return questionnaires. This may body in agreement, otherwise there do everything we can to ensure be because they might struggle to is “no endorsement.” Many times that we have a democratic process answer many questions in agree- this is because there is a primary where every local who belongs has between two non-incumbents. the opportunity to have a voice.

2017 Iowa Legislative November 7th Election . . . Inside This Voting Percentages Endorsements Issue ...... Pages 4 & 5 ...... Page 8 Iowa AFL-CIO Iowa News AFL-CIO Federation of Labor, Iowa A St., Suite 2000 Walker 50317 Des Moines, Iowa Page 2 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS October 2017 Labor And WIN Candidates Did Very Well In School Board Elections Working Iowa Neighbors (WIN) The western Iowa Labor Federa- were in Des Moines and West Des Young and Tim Wondra were elect- candidates won 70% of the races en- tion (WILF) had two candidates that Moines. Rob Barron and Krystin ed. Both endorsed candidates in dorsed by the candidates were in. were part of the AFL-CIO’s Path- Delagardelle Shelley won seats on Clinton won: Eric Gettes and Scott Overall, AFL-CIO Labor endorsed 2-Power program and they both the Des Moines School Board. The Bengstom. Anderson Sainci won a candidates won 23 of 34 races. won. Kyle McGlade is the first suc- West Des Moines seats were filled seat on the Dubuque Board. “It was good to see so many citi- cessful WIN candidate from Coun- by Vicky Poole and Elizabeth Bren- The two endorsed Bettendorf zens stepping up to run for school cil Bluffs, and Jeremy Saint won nan. candidates, Richard Lynch and An- board across Iowa. We are very hap- in the Sioux City election. We also Hawkeye Area Labor Council drew Champion were elected. One py that so many individuals we re- had John Minshall win a spot on the (HALC) won 6 our 9 endorsed rac- of the three Davenport candidates cruited, encouraged, and endorsed Council Bluffs school was elected: Allison Beck. Tom won.” Said Ken Sagar President of board, giving labor Courtney, Former State Senator, the Iowa Federation of Labor AFL- their first two wins in was a write-in winner for the Burl- CIO. “We need citizens who respect Council Bluffs. WIN ington Board, by beating a 24-year both, public education and the peo- Other school board incumbent. WORKING IOWA NEIGHBORS ple who work so hard to educate election wins the WILF Iowa State Education Associa- our children, to lead school boards WIN area included: tion make their endorsements later across this state.” Perla Arlacon-Flory and Ronald es. All the HALC endorsed candi- than the AFL-CIO. Several of their Colling for the Sioux City at large dates were WIN candidates. endorsements were the same as the IN UNITY THERE IS STRENGTH seats. Kristi Amick won an at-large The Iowa City seats were won by AFL-CIO, but they did have ad- RATION O DE F E L F A B A O

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O I AFL-CIO seat in Lawton-Bronson. WILF had JP Claussen and Ruthina Malone. ditional, and their endorsed can-

AFL-CIO

D a e w an 100% endorsement win. In Sioux Jeff Orvis won the Cedar Fall seat, didates did very well in their elec- s o IOWAMoines I NEWS City all three endorsed candidates and Jacob Schweitzer won in Mason tions. won, by defending one incumbent City. Two seats were picked up in The Iowa Federation of Labor, The Iowa AFL-CIO News is the and picking up two open seats. Cedar Rapids where Gary Anhalt AFL-CIO, established the WIN Pro- official publication of the Another 100% endorsement win and Jennifer Borcherding won. gram in 2011 to help make working Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO came from the South Central Iowa Sixty percent of the candidates families a priority for local and state 2000 Walker St., Suite A Area Labor Federation (SCIAFL). endorsed by the Great River Area elected officials. WIN also works to- Des Moines, Iowa 50317 One candidate was a part of the Labor Federation, were elected, and gether to build a “farm team” of ex- and is published quarterly. WIN program, Debi Plum, who all were WIN Candidates. perienced candidates ready to run won a seat on the Fairfield School Two of the three candidates in for higher office when the opportu- (515) 262-9571 board. The other races in SCIAFL Fort Madison won where Gayla nity or need presents itself. iowaaflcio.org Officers 2017 Hall Of Fame Inductees Three more union activists bor movement in the Dubuque area. Noon. Noon passed away in 2009. & Staff were inducted into the Iowa Fed- State Representative Jerry Kearns He was a member of Laborers In- eration of Labor Hall of Fame in was also inducted and recognized ternational Union of North Amer- August. for his years with United Steel ica and active the SCIFL in central President Bruce Clark, from the American Workers (and URW), and his sup- Iowa. KEN D. SAGAR Postal Workers Union was induct- port for working Iowans as a repre- To listen to the honors and [email protected] ed, after retiring from the USPS. sentative at the Iowa State Capitol speeches, go to AFL-CIOIowa on Clark also was very active in the la- Honored posthumously, was Fred YouTube. Secretary/Treasurer CHARLIE WISHMAN [email protected]

Political Director BETTY BRIM-HUNTER [email protected]

Communications Director LANCE COLES [email protected]

Organizing Director BEN MURRY [email protected]

Bookkeeper JAMIE MILLER [email protected]

Iowa ARA Organizer SUE DINSDALE [email protected]

Iowa Federation of Labor Hall of Fame Inductees in attendance at the 2017 Hall of Fame dinner. Back Row: (812) 923-1111 Senator Tom Harkin, Francis Giunta, Bruce Clark, Mark Fallis, Joe Ironside. Front Row: Robert Connett, Mac- Donald Smith, Jan Laue, Dick Dearden and Jerry Kearns. October 2017 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS Page 3

The President's View . . . With Elections Coming Soon, Solidarity Brings Good News UAW Local 1024, UAW Local 1236, We hope this sets the stage for the UAW Local 1349, UAW Local 1540, October elections that many unions UAW Local 1613, UAW Local 1672, are working on right now (elections UAW Local 1896, UAW Local 1882, will run from October 10-24). UBC 538, UBC 1260 and Roofers Lastly, despite all the nega- 142. tivity by the right and their al- IFL President Ken Sagar Second, our Working Iowa lies, recent polling shows that Neighbors (WIN) program, in the public has a 61% approval After the last legislative session, conjunction with the Path to rating of unions. We know we need some good news. Power program of the AFL- that the work we do is for the First, unions around Iowa are af- CIO had a very successful benefit of many beyond our filiating with the Federation as the school board election cycle, membership. We need to be attack on workers intensifies. We winning more than 70% of the ambassadors for and advocate welcome all unions to participate, endorsed school board races and of the unions. We know that we truly are stronger together. Wel- both Path to Power candidates better wages, better benefits, pen- come to UAW Local 13, UAW Local won too. sions and safer working conditions 74, UAW Local 94, UAW Local 120, Iowa State Education Association are good for us but we need others UAW Local 242, UAW Local 270, (ISEA) won all 13 of their September want to join this quest for a better UAW Local 281, UAW Local 411, re-certification elections that were life instead of trying to ours from UAW Local 450, UAW Local 616, forced on all our public-sector sis- win the elections, they crushed the us. Labor stand for us, we need to UAW Local 807, UAW Local 838, ters and brothers by the right-wing opposition, in a number of cases it stand for labor. UAW Local 893, UAW Local 997, control legislature. They did not just was unanimous to keep the union. Don’t forget to vote. The Iowa Federation Of Labor Executive Board

Front Row: Bill Gerhard, Iowa State Building Trades; Mark Rocha, of Machinists; Mark Fallis National Association of Letter Carriers; Communication Workers of America; Staci Andersen, Glass, Molders, Dan Prymek, Laborers International Union; Bill Hanes International Pottery, Plastics and Allied Workers International Union; Ken Sagar, Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; Bruce Clark, American Postal President IFL; Charlie Wishman, Secretary/Treasurer IFL; Kelly Workers Union and Brad Greve, Great River Area Labor Federation. Harrison United Auto Workers; Mark Cooper, South Central Iowa Not Pictured: Midge Slater, Alliance for Retired Americans; Ernie Area Federation of Labor; John Herrig, International Association of Colt, Western Iowa Labor Federation; Rusty Mccuen, International Machinists; Robert Gillespie International Union of Painters and Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; Danny Homan, American Allied Trades. Federation of State, County and Municipal employees; Jeremy Back Row: Kelly Steinke, Hawkeye Area Labor Council; Drake Maske, American Federation of Government Employees. Doug Neys, Custer, Young Workers Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers Iowa Association of Fire Fighters; Bonnie Winther, Communication and Grain Millers' International Union ; Jon Arnold, American Workers of America; Richard Frauenholz, American Federation of Postal Workers Union; Jerry Nowadzky, International Association State, County and Municipal Employees. Page 4 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS October 2017 2017 IOWA LEGISLATIVE VOTING PERCENTAGES

IOWA HOUSE The 2017 legislative session was one of the worst for workers in the history of the state. First Name Last Name Party District R W A 2017% Lifetime% This applies to union and non-union workers alike. Drastic changes to worker’s compensa- Ako Abdul-Samad D 35 101 1 0 99 98 tion, collective bargaining laws for public employees, elimination of public Project Labor D 36 101 1 0 99 98 Agreements, and more made showed the anti-worker agenda of the majorities in the Iowa Robert Bacon R 48 3 99 0 3 5 House, Senate, and of the Governor. Chip Baltimore R 47 4 95 3 4 5 You can see the stark difference in who stood up for workers this legislative session. The Clel Baudler R 20 5 94 3 5 8 only way to fix this is at the ballot box, and then by pushing a pro-worker agenda together R 8 3 99 0 3 4 afterward. Educate yourself, your fellow union members, support those who stood with us, and remember who didn’t stand with us when you vote in November of 2018. Bruce Bearinger D 64 101 1 0 99 97 For a full electronic copy of the 2017 Iowa Legislative Voting Record, please visit our D 65 99 3 0 97 98 website at iowaaflcio.org. (Under Legislative/political) R 55 3 99 0 3 3 Brian Best R 12 3 99 0 3 4 Jane Bloomingdale R 51 2 98 2 2 2 D 29 102 0 0 100 100 First Name Last Name Party District R W A 2017% Lifetime% Timi Brown-Powers D 61 101 1 0 99 99 Chaz Allen D 15 85 1 0 99 99 Jim Carlin R 6 3 99 0 3 3 Bill Anderson R 3 4 79 3 5 10 Gary Carlson R 91 3 99 0 3 4 Jerry Behn R 24 2 84 0 2 5 D 87 101 0 1 99 93 Rick Bertrand R 7 4 74 8 5 10 Peter Cownie R 42 3 99 0 3 5 Tony Bisignano D 17 84 0 2 98 92 R 49 3 99 0 3 6 Joe Bolkcom D 43 86 0 0 100 97 R 24 5 97 0 5 7 Nate Boutlton D 16 86 0 0 100 100 Abby Finkenauer D 99 101 1 0 99 98 Tod Bowman D 29 85 1 0 99 98 R 72 3 98 1 3 5 Michael Breitbach R 28 4 82 0 5 6 John Forbes D 40 102 0 0 100 99 Waylon Brown R 26 2 84 0 2 2 Greg Forristall R 22 1 51 50 1 5 Jake Chapman R 10 2 83 1 2 6 R 27 3 99 0 3 4 Mark Chelgren R 41 3 82 1 3 10 D 32 97 2 3 95 95 Mark Costello R 12 2 84 0 2 8 Mary Gaskill D 81 102 0 0 100 98 Jeff Danielson D 30 85 1 0 99 98 Tedd Gassman R 7 3 99 0 3 5 Dan Dawson R 8 2 66 18 2 2 R 50 3 99 0 3 6 Bill Dix R 25 2 84 0 2 7 R 25 3 99 0 3 5 Bill Dotzler D 31 86 0 0 100 96 Chris Hagenow R 43 3 99 0 3 6 Bob Dvorsky D 37 86 0 0 100 94 Kristi Hager R 56 3 99 0 3 3 Jeff Edler R 36 2 84 0 2 2 D 13 99 2 1 97 97 Randy Feenstra R 2 2 84 0 2 6 Curt Hanson D 82 98 1 3 96 95 Julian Garrett R 13 2 84 0 2 6 Mary Ann Hanusa R 16 4 98 0 4 4 Thomas Greene R 44 2 81 3 2 2 Greg Heartsill R 28 3 96 3 3 5 Dennis Guth R 4 2 84 0 2 5 Dave Heaton R 84 5 97 0 5 10 Rita Hart D 49 85 1 0 99 98 Lisa Heddens D 46 101 1 0 99 99 D 33 86 0 0 100 99 R 96 3 99 0 3 4 Wally Horn D 35 85 0 1 99 92 Jake Highfill R 39 3 99 0 3 5 Pam Jochum D 50 86 0 0 100 93 Ashley Hinson R 67 3 99 0 3 3 Craig Johnson R 32 2 84 0 2 2 Steve Holt R 18 3 99 0 3 4 David Johnson NP 1 83 2 1 97 43 Chuck Holz R 5 3 98 1 3 4 Tim Kapucian R 38 2 84 0 2 9 Bruce Hunter D 34 100 1 1 98 98 Kevin Kinney D 39 85 1 0 99 99 Daniel Huseman R 3 3 96 3 3 7 Tim Kaayenbrink R 5 2 84 0 2 6 D 100 101 1 0 99 99 Mark Lofgren R 46 2 84 0 2 2 Dave Jacoby D 74 97 0 5 95 96 Jim Lykam D 45 86 0 0 100 96 R 2 4 98 0 4 5 Liz Mathis D 34 86 0 0 100 99 Tim Kacena D 14 101 1 0 99 99 Matt McCoy D 21 86 0 0 100 87 R 73 4 97 1 4 5 Janet Petersen D 18 86 0 0 100 96 Jerry Kearns D 83 101 1 0 99 99 Herman Quirmbach D 23 86 0 0 100 100 David Kerr R 88 3 97 2 3 3 Amanda Ragan D 27 85 1 0 99 98 Jarad Klein R 78 2 98 2 2 4 Ken Rozenboom R 40 2 84 0 2 6 R 38 3 99 0 3 5 Charles Schneider R 22 2 82 2 2 5 D 59 99 2 1 97 94 Jason Schultz R 9 2 84 0 2 3 Monica Kurth D 89 100 1 0 99 99 Mark Segebart R 6 2 84 0 2 7 R 37 3 99 0 3 5 Tom Shipley R 11 2 84 0 2 8 Vicki Lensing D 85 101 1 0 99 97 Amy Sinclair R 14 2 83 1 2 6 R 57 4 98 0 4 4 Roby Smith R 47 2 84 0 2 10 D 86 101 1 0 99 95 Rich Taylor D 42 84 2 0 98 98 David Maxwell R 76 4 97 1 4 5 Jack Whitver R 19 2 84 0 2 6 Charlie McConkey D 15 100 2 0 98 98 Brad Zaun R 20 2 83 1 2 10 Andy McKean R 58 6 96 0 6 23 Dan Zumbach R 48 2 84 0 2 6 October 2017 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS Page 5 2017 IOWA LEGISLATIVE VOTING PERCENTAGES

IOWA HOUSE continued The 2017 legislative session was one of the worst for workers in the history of the state. This applies to union and non-union workers alike. Drastic changes to worker’s compensa- First Name Last Name Party District R W A 2017% Lifetime% tion, collective bargaining laws for public employees, elimination of public Project Labor D 33 101 1 0 99 99 Agreements, and more made showed the anti-worker agenda of the majorities in the Iowa Helen Miller D 9 97 1 4 95 90 House, Senate, and of the Governor. R 94 3 99 0 3 3 You can see the stark difference in who stood up for workers this legislative session. The R 97 3 99 0 3 4 only way to fix this is at the ballot box, and then by pushing a pro-worker agenda together R 21 4 98 0 4 5 afterward. Educate yourself, your fellow union members, support those who stood with us, D 77 100 2 0 98 98 and remember who didn’t stand with us when you vote in November of 2018. Zach Nunn R 30 3 99 0 3 4 For a full electronic copy of the 2017 Iowa Legislative Voting Record, please visit our D 41 96 0 6 94 96 website at iowaaflcio.org. (Under Legislative/political) Rick Olson D 31 99 3 0 97 91 Scott Ourth D 26 101 1 0 99 99 IOWA SENATE R 92 3 97 2 3 4 First Name Last Name Party District R W A 2017% Lifetime% Dawn Pettengill R 75 3 99 0 3 17 Chaz Allen D 15 85 1 0 99 99 D 52 100 2 0 98 98 Bill Anderson R 3 4 79 3 5 10 Ken Rizer R 68 3 99 0 3 4 Jerry Behn R 24 2 84 0 2 5 Walt Rogers R 60 3 98 1 3 4 Rick Bertrand R 7 4 74 8 5 10 Kirsten Running- D 69 99 1 2 97 97 Tony Bisignano D 17 84 0 2 98 92 Marquardt Joe Bolkcom D 43 86 0 0 100 97 R 63 3 99 0 3 5 Nate Boutlton D 16 86 0 0 100 100 Mike Sexton R 10 3 99 0 3 4 Tod Bowman D 29 85 1 0 99 98 Larry Sheets R 80 3 99 0 3 5 Michael Breitbach R 28 4 82 0 5 6 R 23 3 99 0 3 4 Waylon Brown R 26 2 84 0 2 2 Mark Smith D 71 100 2 0 98 94 Jake Chapman R 10 2 83 1 2 6 Ras Smith D 62 100 1 1 98 98 Mark Chelgren R 41 3 82 1 3 10 D 66 101 1 0 99 97 Mark Costello R 12 2 84 0 2 8 Sharon Steckman D 53 101 1 0 99 98 Jeff Danielson D 30 85 1 0 99 98 Rob Taylor R 44 3 96 3 3 4 Dan Dawson R 8 2 66 18 2 2 Todd Taylor D 70 101 1 0 99 95 Bill Dix R 25 2 84 0 2 7 D 93 102 0 0 100 96 Bill Dotzler D 31 86 0 0 100 96 Linda Upmeyer R 54 3 99 0 3 7 Bob Dvorsky D 37 86 0 0 100 94 Guy Vander Linden R 79 3 99 0 3 4 Jeff Edler R 36 2 84 0 2 2 Ralph Watts R 19 3 98 1 3 6 Randy Feenstra R 2 2 84 0 2 6 Beth Wessel- D 45 101 1 0 99 99 Kroeschell Julian Garrett R 13 2 84 0 2 6 Sklyer Wheeler R 4 3 98 1 3 3 Thomas Greene R 44 2 81 3 2 2 R 1 3 99 0 3 4 Dennis Guth R 4 2 84 0 2 5 D 90 100 1 1 98 98 Rita Hart D 49 85 1 0 99 98 R 17 3 99 0 3 5 Rob Hogg D 33 86 0 0 100 99 D 98 100 2 0 98 98 Wally Horn D 35 85 0 1 99 92 R 11 3 99 0 3 5 Pam Jochum D 50 86 0 0 100 93 Loius Zumbach R 95 3 99 0 3 3 Craig Johnson R 32 2 84 0 2 2 David Johnson NP 1 83 2 1 97 43 Tim Kapucian R 38 2 84 0 2 9 Kevin Kinney D 39 85 1 0 99 99 Tim Kaayenbrink R 5 2 84 0 2 6 Mark Lofgren R 46 2 84 0 2 2 Jim Lykam D 45 86 0 0 100 96 Liz Mathis D 34 86 0 0 100 99 Matt McCoy D 21 86 0 0 100 87 Janet Petersen D 18 86 0 0 100 96 Herman Quirmbach D 23 86 0 0 100 100 Amanda Ragan D 27 85 1 0 99 98 Ken Rozenboom R 40 2 84 0 2 6 Charles Schneider R 22 2 82 2 2 5 VOTE Jason Schultz R 9 2 84 0 2 3 Mark Segebart R 6 2 84 0 2 7 Tom Shipley R 11 2 84 0 2 8 Amy Sinclair R 14 2 83 1 2 6 Roby Smith R 47 2 84 0 2 10 Rich Taylor D 42 84 2 0 98 98 Jack Whitver R 19 2 84 0 2 6 Brad Zaun R 20 2 83 1 2 10 Dan Zumbach R 48 2 84 0 2 6 Nov 7th Page 6 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS October 2017 Labor ’s History, Labor ’s Future By John McKerley one by Keokuk school district em- pendency allowance to retain male The teachers’ coalition build- In September, over one thousand ployees in 1970. When the Keokuk teachers even as they forced preg- ing and solidarity resulted in a Iowa school district and commu- school board ignored a mediator nant women to take leave or quit. contract that rejected the board’s nity college employees voted over- and imposed a radical change to Facing such an unacceptable changes and maintained the exist- whelmingly to recertify their unions teacher pay, employees went on change, Keokuk teachers built co- ing pay schedule. Most important- as public-sector collective bargain- strike. alitions with other union members ly, it fueled demand for an Iowa ing units. The board’s changes held base and with local community and re- collective bargaining law. Keokuk The votes were required under teachers used their experience to Iowa House File (HF) 291, which become statewide organizers, and Republicans pushed through the the strike encouraged even other- state legislature in February 2017. wise anti-union politicians to make HF 291 radically amended the Iowa compromises. Public Employment Relations Act Over the next several years, Iowa (Chapter 20), which had governed union members built a powerful, collective bargaining for Iowa pub- bipartisan coalition that created lic employees since the 1970s. Chapter 20 in 1974. Chapter 20 was School district and community very much a compromise, but, by college employees were an ap- forcing employers to engage in ne- propriate first group to push back gotiations under the threat of arbi- against the new law, as they were tration, public-sector workers were in the forefront of those Iowa work- able to improve living and working ers who pushed for the creation of conditions for generations of Iowa Chapter 20. workers, union and non-union By 1960, many Iowa public-sector alike. workers were conducting informal Now, as Iowa workers confront (“meet and confer”) negotiations. a new legal landscape, they can Such negotiations were legal, but take some lessons from the strug- the state government had no mech- gles of the past. Even before a col- anism to force employers to honor wages flat for all teachers between ligious leaders. When the board lective bargaining law for public their agreements. years ten and twenty-five. To get a refused to compromise, teachers employees, workers built strong One way public employees could pay increase, teachers would have (joined by maintenance employees, organizations capable of heroic enforce agreements was to strike. to make individual pleas for some who were also negotiating with the acts of solidarity in the face of great Iowa courts had consistently found form of supplemental (“merit”) pay board) voted to strike. Although adversity. This kind of solidarity such strikes to be illegal, but public doled out at the discretion of ad- the board had union leaders arrest- allowed school district and com- employees from municipal laborers ministrators. ed, the sight of teachers taken to jail munity college employees to push to firefighters to nurses walked out Teachers had seen how adminis- (including an elementary teacher back against HF 291, and it will al- between 1967 and 1970. trators used such supplemental pay in her forties) shifted community low the Iowa labor movement to Perhaps the most famous and in discriminatory ways. For exam- support behind the union and split move forward regardless of legis- important of these strikes was the ple, administrators had used a de- the board. lative changes in the future. October 2017 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS Page 7 What Is CLUW?

The Coalition of Labor Union women; and to increase the involve- more than 40 chapters. CLUW is Women is America’s only national ment of women in the political endorsed by the AFL-CIO and organization for union women. and legislative process. its international and national Formed in 1974, CLUW is a non- These goals continue to be unions. CLUW local chapters partisan organization within the the cornerstone of CLUW’s educate members, keep union movement. activities as members them up-to-date on a va- The primary mission of CLUW speak out for equal pay, riety of issues of con- is to unify all union women in a child and elder care cern to working fami- viable organization to determine benefits, job security, lies, and provide a our common problems and con- safe workplaces, af- support network for cerns and to develop action pro- fordable health care, women in unions. grams within the framework of our contraceptive equity, The Iowa Federa- unions to deal effectively with our and protection from tion of Labor strongly objectives. sexual harassment and encourages the forma- At its founding convention in Chi- violence at work. tion of CLUW chapters cago, Illinois, CLUW adopted four With members from all over Iowa. If you are basic goals of action: to promote af- 54 international and na- interested in helping firmative action in the workplace; tional unions across the form one, or being a part to strengthen the role of women in U.S. and Canada, CLUW of one, please call 515-262- unions; to organize the unorganized has a strong network of 9571 or [email protected]. Labor Society Forms To Promote Labor History The Iowa Labor History Society programs linking teachers and stu- waLaborHistory or down load their Labor History Society, c/o Labor is a non-profit organization of in- dents with Iowa Labor History. brochures of the University of Iowa Center, 100 BVC, Rm W130 Univer- dividuals, unions, educators, histo- They are working on maps and Labor Center’s web page. The mail- sity of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, or guides to highlight his- ing address for the Society is Iowa email [email protected]. torical Iowa Labor sites and hosting tours. They also want to create a speaker’s bureau, hold conferences, film screen- ings and much more. According their Bro- 2018 Upcoming Events chure: “Whether you’re a union member or com- munity activist, a teacher Iowa Federation of Labor or historian, or just inter- ested in learning more Legislative Conference about Iowa labor history, there’s a place for you March 21 – 22 rians, and community groups who in the Iowa Labor History Society! are joining together to celebrate and Members receive a periodic news- raise awareness about the rich his- letter with articles about Iowa labor tory of Iowa’s workers—their lives, history, as well as links to resources labors, and struggles that shaped and upcoming events. They are also Committee on Political the history of our state. The Society invited to participate in committees, also is working on connecting mem- serve in leadership roles, and vote on Education(COPE) bers of the public with existing la- organizational decisions.” bor history resources. There are many levels of support Convention Some of the things they are work- for the Iowa Labor History Society. ing on include: Labor in schools’ Check them out on Facebook at Io- April 14 Organizer Leone No Longer With IFL Tracy Leone, was an organizer said Leone. “It’s been both an and political activist for the Iowa honor and humbling to have orga- Federation of Labor, for several nized on behalf of the thousands years, and is now working for of workers represented by the IFL. Teamsters 238. I am especially grateful for the op- She left the IFL in early August, portunities and support I got from and is now a Business Agent for Ken Sagar and the rest of the lead- the Teamsters working in mostly ership and staff who taught me so eastern Iowa. much.” “I’m sad to report that as of Au- If you need to contact Tracy, her gust 4, I will no longer be working cell is 309-738-3196 and email – for the Iowa Federation of Labor,” [email protected]. Page 8 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS October 2017 2017 Iowa Area Labor Federation 2017 Iowa Area Labor Federation MunicipalMunicipal Endorsements Endorsements

Candidate Name Office Seeking City ALF Chapter Endorsed UNION WIN Candidates Diana Broderson Mayor Muscatine GRALF QCFL Y LIUNA 309 HH Yes Kelcey Brackett City Council At-large Muscatine GRALF QCFL Y AFT 1836 HH Yes Osmond Malcolm City Council Ward 2 Muscatine GRALF QCFL Y AFA-CWA HH Ret. Yes Rick Dunn City Council Ward 1 Davenport GRALF QCFL Y UA 25 Yes Maria Dickmann City Council Ward 2 Davenport GRALF QCFL Y Yes Mike Matson City Council Ward 7 Davenport GRALF QCFL Y ISEA Yes Toby Paone City Council At-large Davenport GRALF QCFL Y ISEA Yes Kate Larsen City Council Ward 2 Dubuque GRALF Dubuque Y Yes Ed O'Neill City Council Ward 3 Clinton GRALF Clinton Y Yes Meghann Foster City Council At-large Coralville Hawkeye Iowa City Y Yes Miriam Timmer-Hackert City Council At-large Coralville Hawkeye Iowa City Y Yes Elizabeth Dinsche City Council At-large Coralville Hawkeye Iowa City Y Yes Mazahir Salih City Council At-large Iowa City Hawkeye Iowa City Y Yes Justin Shields City Council Dist. 5 Cedar Rapids Hawkeye Hawkeye Y RWDSU Retired Yes Tyler Olson City Council At-large Cedar Rapids Hawkeye Hawkeye Y Yes Steve Sodders Mayor State Center Hawkeye Black Hawk Y IBT 238 Yes Tom Powers City Council Ward 1 Waterloo Hawkeye Black Hawk Y IAFF Retired Yes Pat Morrissey City Council Ward 3 Waterloo Hawkeye Black Hawk Y UE Retired Yes Cody Lestikew City Council Ward 5 Waterloo Hawkeye Black Hawk Y UAW 838 Yes Erin Cornelius City Council At-large Cedar 2017 Falls Iowa AreaHawkeye Labor FederationBlack Hawk Y Yes Skip Moore City Council At-large Des MoinesMunicipal EndorsementsSCIAFL South Central Y LiUNA Retired No Bill Gray City Council Ward 1 Des Moines SCIAFL South Central Y No Josh CandidateMandelbaum Name CityOffice Council Seeking Ward 3 DesCity Moines SCIAFLALF SouthChapter Central EndorsedY UNION WIN CandidatesNo Ross Grooters City Council Pleasant Hill SCIAFL South Central Y IBT No Kevin Trevillyan City Council Ward 1 West Des Moines SCIAFL South Central Y AFSCME No Nadir Mehta City Council Ward 3 West Des Moines SCIAFL South Central Y No Robert LaPoint Mayor Ottumwa SCIAFL Southern Iowa Y Yes Matthew Dalbey City Council At-large Ottumwa SCIAFL Southern Iowa Y Yes Holly Berg City Council At-large Ottumwa SCIAFL Southern Iowa Y Yes Joe Denton City Council At-large Ottumwa SCIAFL Southern Iowa Y UA 33 Yes Alex Watters City Council At-large Sioux City WILF NW Iowa Y Yes Dan Moore City Council At-large Sioux City WILF NW Iowa Y Yes Matt Bemrich Mayor Ft. Dodge WILF NC Iowa Y Yes Your Vote Counts!

November 7th