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D e a s ow Moines I NEWS IOWAVolume 19, Issue 2 Official Publication of the Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO October 2019 Iowans Declare September Labor Union Appreciation Month More than 65 elected officials, orga- of the reasons I believe they are im- Sinovic, executive director of Progress Iowa State Education Association nizations, and businesses support the ef- portant to our country.” Iowa. “They fight for working families Iowa Voices fort to make September Labor Union Ap- “I’m very thankful for the oppor- to have better pay and better lives, and I Work & Play preciation Month at thankaunion.com tunities than union membership has every one of us benefits, because we Josh Mandelbaum, Des Moines Des Moines, Iowa all have higher wages, saf- City Council -- Iowans are speaking er workplaces, and more Midvale Pinacotheca out in support of recog- quality of life as a result. If North Iowa Nine Labor Assembly nizing September as La- you like having paid sick One Iowa bor Union Appreciation leave, vacation days, or One Voice Message & Media Month. More than sixty things as basic as child la- Pinpoint Digital elected officials, organiza- bor laws, you should thank Planned Parenthood Voters tions, and businesses have a union. And if you want of Iowa signed on to the effort at working families to have Progress Iowa ThankAUnion.com. a seat at the table when Rep. A proclamation recog- it comes to determining Rep. nizing September as La- the future of our state and Rep. Molly Donahue bor Union Appreciation country, you should sup- Rep. Month will be requested port labor unions.” Rep. from the office of Gover- The Polk County Su- Rep. Chuck Isenhart nor Kim Reynolds, as well pervisors and the Sioux Rep. Jennifer Konfrst as from cities and coun- City and Cedar Rapids Rep. ties across the state. Sup- City Councils signed off on Rep. Monica Kurth porters of Labor Union proclamations recognizing Rep. Appreciation Month will Hawkeye Area Labor Council Executive Director Rick September as Labor Union Rep. also attend events and Moyle accepts the Labor Union Appreciation Month Appreciation Month. Rep. share information about proclamation from the City of Cedar Rapids. The plan is to keep Rep. the important role labor this going and build a Rep. unions have had and continue to provided three generations of my movement to make every Septem- Rep. Art Staed have in Iowa and across the country. family and families all across Iowa. ber, Labor Appreciation Month. Rep. Sharon Steckman “We know that public support There has never been a time in our Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell for labor unions is strong, and that’s country’s history that more unions PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS, Rep. because workers everywhere want and more union jobs were more ELECTED OFFICIALS Ben Rogers, Linn County some dignity and respect on the job,” needed in our workforce. Unions are AND BUSINESSES Supervisor said Danny Homan, President of AF- why we have a middle class in this AFSCME Council 61 Rush & Nicholson SCME Council 61. “At the end of the country,” said Senator . APWU Waterloo Local 451 Sen. day, that’s what we’re here fighting “As an educator, every school dis- Black Hawk Union Assembly Sen. Claire Celsi for every day.” trict I’ve taught in (four states, four Central Iowa Neighbors Sen. Eric Giddens “Labor unions have been an av- districts) has had a strong Union,” Citizens for a Healthy Iowa Sen. enue to the middle class for millions said Representative Art Staed. “The GPS Impact Sen. of Americans for many years,” said welfare of students and teachers in Greenwood Media Services Sen. Kevin Kinney Senator . “That is one their learning/working place was Hawkeye Area Labor Council, Sen. always the priority. Strong unions AFL-CIO Sen. Amanda Ragan build safe, healthy, and equitable Hedberg & Boulton, P.C. Sen. Jackie Smith work environments.” Indivisible Iowa Sen. “Every month should be Labor Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Smith & McElwain Union Appreciation Month, just as Iowa Alliance for Retired South Central Iowa Federation every day is really Labor Day,” said Americans of Labor, AFL-CIO

PAID Mike Owen, executive director of Iowa Citizen Action Network Rod Sullivan, Johnson County the nonpartisan Iowa Policy Project. Iowa Coalition Against Supervisor U.S. POSTAGE U.S. PRESORT INC PRESORT “People work every day, and we all Domestic Violence Tax March Iowa NON-PROFIT ORG. NON-PROFIT depend on that. We will only truly Iowa Federation of Labor, Teamsters Local 238 demonstrate our appreciation when AFL-CIO Tri-City Building & Construction we use public policy to make sure Iowa Main Street Alliance Trades Council everyone is paid adequately, that Iowa Policy Project Stacey Walker, Linn County they are paid what they are owed, Iowa Postal Workers Union Supervisor they are protected on the job, that Iowa River Labor Coalition Working America, the their families have health care, and Iowa Safe Schools community affiliate of the AFL-CIO that they have an opportunity for a secure retirement.” “Labor unions are regularly the un- sung heroes in our country,” said Matt

Making Our Endorsements IFL 2019 Election Inside This Meaningful Endorsements Issue ...... Page 3 ...... Page 5 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 2019 2020 Caucuses Are Coming By Julianne Frosolone, ahead of time, but you can register awarded based on the total counts. tend their normal caucus. Site exam- IFL Political Director on caucus night if necessary. Each Democrats express their presiden- ples include union halls, factories, The hot summer weather has caucus starts at the same time across tial candidate preference by form- or nursing homes. The deadline for faded, the first day of autumn has the state, and you’ll need to be in ing “preference groups.” Each application is November 18th and passed, and before we know it, the line no later than 7:00 pm sharp. Ev- preference group needs to have the template will be posted on the Iowa caucuses will be upon us. On eryone who is in line by that time a certain number of people in or- website with Monday, February 3rd, Iowans will will be allowed to enter and begin der to elect delegates. This term is more information. gather in every precinct across the the registration process. called “viability,” and it’s based on It’s crucial that union members state to discuss their presidential The caucus officially opens af- the number of eligible caucus-goers attend their caucuses, regardless preferences and conduct party busi- ter registration, and once a leader and the number of delegates as- of their party preference. A high ness. is elected, the number of eligible signed to your precinct. Non-viable turnout of union members on cau- The Iowa Democratic and Repub- caucus-goers present is announced. candidate groups, which can in- cus night will help ensure worker- lican parties will release caucus lo- This number plays a crucial role in clude “uncommitted,” must either friendly candidates get the most cations a few months before caucus determining candidate viability lat- join viable groups or come together delegates in Iowa and remind cau- night. Remember, your caucus site er in the process. Next, you will hear to form their own viable group. cus-goers and reporters that work- is unique to your address, so be sure from presidential candidate surro- Each preference group is award- ers’ issues are high priority. And, to double check before heading out gates, each vying for your support. ed delegates proportionally, based electing our members to the party the door. From this point on, the Democratic on the number of caucus-goers in central committees means that we In order to participate, you need and Republican caucus processes their group. The delegates elected can ensure union members are in- to be registered to vote at your cur- are completely different. Demo- by both the Democrats and Republi- cluded in party decision-making. rent address. It’s ideal to do this crats form presidential “preference cans on caucus night will move for- As the saying goes, “If you don’t groups” and Republicans utilize a ward in the County, District, State, have a seat at the table, you’re prob- IN UNITY THERE IS STRENGTH paper ballot voting system. Here’s a and ultimately, National Conven- ably on the menu.”

RATION O DE F E L F A B A O W R brief overview of each party’s cau- tion process. If you have any questions about O I AFL-CIO

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cus process. To increase caucus accessibility, the caucus, would like a training for D e a s ow Moines I NEWS IOWA Republicans vote for their pre- the Iowa Democratic Party will be your members, or need help with a ferred presidential candidate on holding Satellite Caucuses. These Satellite Caucus application, please The Iowa AFL-CIO News is the paper ballots. The votes are count- locations are meant to accommo- don’t hesitate to reach out. official publication of the ed and recorded, and delegates are date people who are unable to at- [email protected] Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO 2000 Walker St., Suite A Des Moines, Iowa 50317 and is published quarterly. The “R” Word (515) 262-9571 By Mike Owen rate is low — at 2.5 percent — but Since 1979, wage growth has been iowaaflcio.org Not all “R” words are the same. If payroll (or nonfarm) jobs are about hoarded by the highest earners.” you dare say “recession,” you’d bet- 40,000 below where they would be (See StateOfWorkingIowa.org, under ter whisper it, or you’ll be blamed had job growth kept up with popu- the “Wages” tab.) for starting one. But if you say “re- lation growth since the start of the We can bring you this kind of sol- Officers covery,” nobody bats an eye. They should. We hear about “re- & Staff covery” or a “strong” or even “boom- ing” economy when most of us would have trouble finding any of President those terms apply in our own lives or KEN D. SAGAR those of many folks we know, at least [email protected] under current circumstances. And that’s a full 10 years after the last re- cession — you know, the big one, the Secretary/Treasurer “Great Recession,” which ran from CHARLIE WISHMAN December 2007 to June 2009. [email protected] In the intervening “recovery” months and years since 2009, Iowa has experienced continuing chal- Political Director lenges in family security, which is JULIANNE FROSOLONE not surprising given its slow growth julianne@iowaaflcio,org in jobs and wages. Our Iowa Policy Project research Communications Director through these years has demon- LANCE COLES strated these trends, yet we still [email protected] hear the same spin from those who Great Recession. Job growth so far id data because Iowa labor unions for political reasons want to claim in 2019 has averaged a miniscule and individuals have stepped up to all is well. And because they are not 200 per month in a state with near- support the work. IPP staff mem- Organizing Director acknowledging weaknesses and in- ly 1.6 million jobs. (See our monthly bers have been able to develop and BEN MURRY equities in Iowa’s economy, they are Iowa JobWatch report on our website.) share expertise and insights to all. [email protected] not addressing them, and it makes it  Long a low-wage state, Iowa Please consider a substantial con- harder for others to do so as well. is staying inside its box. As Colin tribution in 2019, from your union So, if this is a “recovery,” why Gordon notes in our latest State of Bookkeeper organization and, if you can, per- JAMIE MILLER doesn’t it feel like it? Working Iowa report, “Our decade sonally as well. [email protected]  One in 5 working households of ‘recovery’ has not challenged Thank you for your support in in Iowa, on average, fall short of persistent wage stagnation, declin- getting our work, and Iowa work- meeting a bare-bones, basic-needs ing job quality, and rising inse- ing family issues, on the table household budget on their earnings curity and inequality in the Iowa in the Statehouse. Contact me at alone, as we show in our latest Cost economy.” Over a decade, the state [email protected] if of Living in Iowa report. For single- median wage has grown by only you would like to have an IPP pre- parent households, the share is a 4.4 percent. Meanwhile, high earn- sentation at your local or a commu- staggering 3 of 5 working house- ers have seen double or triple that, nity forum in the coming months. holds. (Find the report, released Sept. on average. Gordon notes the pat- Mike Owen is executive director of (812) 923-1111 24, at www.iowapolicyproject.org.) tern since 2009 “echoes the long- the nonpartisan Iowa Policy Project in  Yes, Iowa’s unemployment term trend of growing inequality. Iowa City. October 2019 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS Page 3

The Secretary-Treasurer's Notes . . . Making Our Endorsements Meaningful subject to endorsement by the ran for U.S. Congress, and they on their own. A candidate should Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL- agreed that this is a very good idea know they can reach out to us or an CIO be required, as a affiliate to understand condition of endorse- more and should at ment, to attend can- least have a “Labor didate academies to 101” understanding of be educated on issues YOUR what they say they are important to working supporting. Addition- families and complete ally, many candidates the relevant question- haven’t had to vote on naire; and VOTE our pro-active agenda 2) That a copy of yet, because the po- this resolution be at- litical make-up of the tached to every ques- state legislature, and IFL Secretary-Treasurer tionnaire given to the US Congress for Charlie Wishman candidates.” IS that matter, doesn’t Too often, labor unions and To comply with lend itself to that yet. organizations confuse writing a this, the Iowa Fed- This is going to check to a candidate with having eration of Labor will be a big shift in how a political program. While that’s hold “candidate acad- YOUR we approach our en- helpful for a candidate, if they emies” or short class- dorsements, but it is don’t understand where that mon- es to give a brief but long overdue. In the ey is coming from, it’s not very concise overview of short term it will be impactful. And, by where that issues most important VOICE a change, but it is one money is coming from, we don’t to labor across all sec- that will make our re- just mean what local or labor or- tors, and why we care about them. because once they were running lationships with people we vote to ganization – the check obviously One main goal of the Federation for that office, they didn’t know a endorse stronger and more mean- says that. What we mean is that in these academies are to involve lot of terms or ideas on labor and ingful in the long run for labor in this endorsement and anything affiliates. While we have a good felt they had to do a lot of research Iowa. that comes with it comes from the guess of what our affiliates want sweat and struggle of the members candidates to know about them that make up the Iowa Federation and their members, we won’t of Labor. presume to do that. So, we will We’ve heard from many of you be working with affiliate unions Iowa ARA Honors that you don’t think that a lot of to ensure that their priorities are candidates understand that, or reflected in this labor candidate perhaps they do but only in an ab- academy, and it will be in their Midge Slater stract way. own words. The attendees at the 2019 Iowa President, Midge has been an ad- Because of that and for many Another important goal of these ARA Conference honored Iowa Al- vocate for seniors and their families reasons we’ve heard expressed all classes is to create connections liance for Retired Americans Presi- and Iowa is a better place because of across this state, delegates to the between candidates and their lo- dent, Midge Slater for her years of all she has done. While Midge isn’t 63rd Iowa AFL-CIO Convention cal labor chapters and members. work with the organization going away and still will advocate unanimously approved Resolu- While we are currently working Midge Slater (retired CWA) has for seniors and the working class, we tion #5. out the schedules for these infor- been the president of the Iowa Alli- appreciate everything she’s done to Resolution #5 of the 63rd An- mational classes, when they are ance for Retired Americans for over help build this important organiza- nual Convention of the Iowa Fed- announced please make yourself the past two years. Prior to that she tion for seniors through the years.” eration of Labor resolved that: available! was the nation-wide organizer in The ARA is fights to make the 1) “All candidates for offices I recently spoke to someone who Iowa for five year. voice of all seniors and retirees heard Slater stepped down as presi- loud and clear. We exist for today’s dent, and Mike McCarthey (retired retirees AND for those who want to AFSCME) was appointed to fill out retire SOMEDAY. They EDUCATE - Help Build The Iowa Chapter the term. The Iowa ARA will hold MOTIVATE- ACTIVATE seniors to elections next year. make a difference through activism, The Iowa Federation stated “On challenging the powers that be and Of The Union Veterans Council behalf of the officers and affiliates of advancing public policy that pro- the Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL- tects the health and economic secu- The Union Veterans Council We believe wholeheartedly that the CIO, we can’t thank Midge Slater rity of older Americans. brings working-class veterans to- ability for someone to self-identify enough for everything she has done Interested in being a part of gether to speak out on the issues as “pro-veteran” isn’t determined to build the Iowa Alliance for Retired the Iowa Alliance for Retired that impact us most, especially the by what lapel pin they don or what Americans. Whether she was serv- Americans,send an email to: iowa. catchphrase they employ; veterans ing in a role of a staff person or as [email protected]. face real issues that require real ac- tions—constructive actions that lead to positive solutions. At the Union Veterans Council, we fight every day for those who have fought for us. The Iowa Federation of Labor is working on building our own chap- ter of the Veterans Council, in Iowa. The IFL is working with the Union Veterans Council through a Face- book Page, Iowa Union Veterans Council. need for good jobs and a strong, ful- If you would like to help build the ly funded and staffed VA. Iowa chapter or get more involved Additionally, we hold private en- with the Union Veterans Council, terprise and elected officials account- call Lance Coles: 515-262-9571 or

able for their words and actions. [email protected]. — photo by Charlie Wishman Page 4 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS October 2019 Iowa Voter Information Who Can Register To Vote In Iowa Voter Identification Requirements In Iowa Iowa Poll Opening and Closing Times To register to vote in the State of Iowa , an in- Iowa has a Non-strict voter identification 7:00 AM-9:00 PM dividual must meet the following qualifications: law For Primary and General Elections, the polls  Be a United States Citizen  Iowa requires voters to present some form will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. statewide. For  Be a Iowa resident of identification before casting their vote. Voters other elections, please contact your county audi-  Be at least 17½ years old (must be 18 years without acceptable identification must vote on a tor for the polling place hours. old by election day to vote) provisional ballot and also take additional steps For City/School Elections, the polls will be You cannot register to vote if: after Election Day for it to be counted. open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.  You are a convicted felon (unless your vot- The following documents are acceptable If you have concerns or questions about your ing rights have been restored) forms of identification, polling place or voter registration please contact  You are judged mentally incompetent to  Iowa driver’s license your county auditor. vote by a court  Iowa nonoperator’s identification card If you have moved to Iowa from another state  You claim the right to vote in any other place  U.S. passport or to a different county in Iowa, pre-register to The Minimum Age To Register To Vote Is  U.S. military card vote in your new county 10 days before general 17½: You must be at least 17½ to register.  Veteran’s identification card elections and 11 days before all other elections. If The Minimum Age To Vote Is 18: must be 18  A current and signed voter identification you miss the pre-registration deadline,Election years old by election day to vote card Day Registration is available. Don't Be Fooled Again! By Jay Smith & Dennis McElwain worker agenda is not betting big is important for the rule of law, the routinely issues rulings that are In the last several weeks, the on impeachment, especially given underlying fact is that the Trump anti-labor. The current Labor Secre- United States House of Represen- the current make-up of the United Presidency has been a disaster for tary is none other than the son of the tatives opened an impeachment in- States Senate, led by Majority Lead- working people. For example, de- late Supreme Court Justice Antonin quiry into the President. Unlike the er McConnell. Rather, the key is to spite the President’s many decla- Scalia, who was no friend to Labor. last impeachment process, which Despite many attempts at having dealt with the personal actions an “infrastructure week” to discuss of President Clinton, the current how to re-build our infrastructure, process is an inquiry into whether there has been no legislation. There the President sought political as- has been no increase to the federal sistance from a foreign nation in minimum wage. The Administra- exchange for the United States pro- tion has sought to roll back several viding funding to the nation to de- rules aimed at protecting workers. fend itself against Russia. During The Administration has made it the last several weeks, if you have harder for federal sector workers to consumed any news, it seems that organize and bargain. The list of at- on a daily basis there is more in- tacks is endless. formation, which should be damn- In turn, while the media contin- ing, that comes out into the public ues to be transfixed by the shiny sphere. new object that is the impeachment And, as a result, the question has inquiry, it is critical for the Labor become – are we at the tipping point Movement to continue to focus on where the country will come to- the only thing that ensures we rid gether to rid itself of the disastrous ourselves of this circus that is the experiment that is the Trump Presi- Trump Administration, and that is – dency? educating and mobilizing our mem- For the Labor Movement, how- bers to vote for the Labor Friendly ever, while this question is an im- candidates up and down the ticket portant question, it should not be in November 2020. This is the only our focus. Rather, our focus needs ridding ourselves of this disastrous rations that American businesses way to guarantee success. We must to be on educating workers on not administration is by ensuring that would not close plants and send not do this simply for our own sur- only the failures of the Trump Presi- whomever is the Democratic nomi- work overseas, American busi- vival, but for the survival of our Re- dency, but rather, the all-out attack nee in 2020 is able to win the Elec- nesses continue to do so. Instead of public as we know it. It is that criti- by the Trump Administration on toral College. And, that includes enjoying a labor friendly National cal, and the Labor Movement has to working people. The key to ridding winning Iowa. Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the take the lead in this endeavor. We ourselves of Trump and his anti- While the impeachment inquiry current NLRB attacks unions and can’t be fooled again. VOTE NOVEMBER 5th October 2019 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS Page 5 Iowa Federation Of Labor 2019 Election Endorsements AREA LABOR FEDERATION ENDORSEMENTS

Great River Area Labor Federation NAME OFFICE WARD/DISTRICT Mike Matson Davenport Mayor At-Large Diana Broderson (LiUNA HH) Muscatine Mayor At-Large Kirk Edwards Muscatine City Council Ward 5 Daniel Salazar Muscatine City Council At-Large John Dabeet (NEA) Muscatine School Board At-Large Karen Cooney Muscatine School Board At-Large Danny Schuur (NEA) Muscatine School Board At-Large Ricky Teed Muscatine School Board At-Large Jeff Osborne Muscatine School Board At-Large

Hawkeye Area Labor Council NAME OFFICE WARD/DISTRICT Pauline Taylor Iowa City City Council District A John Thomas Iowa City City Council District C Megan Alter Iowa City City Council At-Large Janice Weiner Iowa City City Council At-Large RaQuishia Harrington North Liberty City Council At-Large Charlie Eastham Iowa City School Board At-Large Bruce McConnell (IBT HH) Marshalltown City Council At-Large Steve Sodders (IBT) State Center Mayor At-Large Jan McGinnis (NEA) Marshalltown School Board At-Large Jonathan Grieder (NEA) Waterloo City Council Ward 2 Dave Boesen (IAFF) Waterloo City Council At-Large Nate Gruber Cedar Falls School Board At-Large Cory Vaupel (NEA) Center Point City Council At-Large Scott Olson Cedar Rapids City Council District 4 Pat Loeffler (UBC) Cedar Rapids City Council At-Large Ann Poe Cedar Rapids City Council At-Large David Tominsky Cedar Rapids School Board District 1 Dexter Mershbrock (NALC) Cedar Rapids School Board District 4 Cindy Garlock (NEA) Cedar Rapids School Board At-Large LaSheila Yates Linn-Mar School Board At-Large

South Central Iowa Federation of Labor NAME OFFICE WARD/DISTRICT Jeff Perry Ankeny City Council At-Large Susan Judkins Clive City Council At-Large Frank Cownie Des Moines Mayor At-Large Skip Moore (LiUNA) Des Moines City Council Ward 2 Suresh Reddy Johnston City Council At-Large Scott Syroka Johnston City Council At-Large Bridget Carberry Montgomery Urbandale City Council At-Large Lawrence McBurney Urbandale City Council At-Large Matt Blake Urbandale City Council At-Large Rebecca Haroldson Urbandale City Council At-Large Erin Cubit West Des Moines City Council Ward 2 Ryan Crane West Des Moines City Council At-Large Heather Anderson Des Moines School Board District 1 Kelli Soyer Des Moines School Board At-Large Ben Murry (USW) Madrid School Board At-Large Jeff Clark (IBEW) Bloomfield City Council At-Large

Western Iowa Labor Federation NAME OFFICE WARD/DISTRICT Neven Conrad Fort Dodge City Council At-Large Bob Scott (UBC) Sioux City Mayor At-Large Rick Scott Lawton-Bronson School Board At-Large Glenn Hurst Minden Mayor At-Large Jill Shudak Council Bluffs School Board At-Large Page 6 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS October 2019 Lessons From Labor History: The Keokuk Teachers Strike Next year, 2020, marks the fiftieth believed that it was both their right ule represented a giant step back- opponents. In Iowa, the Keokuk anniversary of the Keokuk teachers and professional obligation to use ward. Between years two and ten strike helped to move ISEA away strike, a dramatic event that left a negotiations to improve wages and of employment, teacher pay would from district-only “professional” lasting legacy for Keokuk and the working conditions as well as the increase each year along tracks negotiations toward collective bar- state of Iowa. Now—perhaps more quality of education in their com- corresponding to education level, gaining for all public employees. than ever—that legacy is worth munities. much as before. Between years ten By 1974, this move, combined with remembering and reconsidering, Before 1969, negotiations in and twenty-five, however, all pay broader labor support and the fear especially in light of the Iowa leg- Keokuk had gone relatively smooth- increases came from merit pay at the of copycat strikes, pushed legisla- islature’s recent attacks on Iowa’s ly. For decades, the city’s boards of discretion of administrators. Between tors to pass the Public Employment public schools, public-sector collec- directors had worked to improve years twenty-five and forty, teacher Relations Act (PERA). tive bargaining rights, and workers Keokuk’s education system to lure pay would gradually decrease for all At the time of the legislative as a whole. outside investment. Hiring and re- education levels, eventually com- debate over what would become In September 1969, when Keokuk taining highly qualified teachers pressing into a single, static pay PERA, workers were divided over teachers, represented by the Keokuk was critical to their success, and they scale after year forty. Leland was public-sector strikes. For some Education As- workers, arbitra- sociation (KEA), tion was an ac- began negotia- ceptable or even tions with the preferred pro- school district’s cess for resolv- board of direc- ing deadlocked tors, Iowa did negotiations. not have a law Others felt that governing collec- giving up strikes tive negotiations meant giving up for public employees. The Iowa recognized teachers’ importance open about the Rainbow schedule’s crucial leverage. During the debate, State Education Association (ISEA) through negotiations. Teachers (es- purpose: to reduce overall costs, in pro-collective bargaining legislators had proposed a series of bills, but pecially women) still struggled with part by incentivizing early retire- and their labor supporters ended up they applied only to certified school low pay and discriminatory work- ment. accepting a very strong anti-strike district employees (overwhelming- ing conditions, but they had been Not surprisingly, the KEA re- clause in return for crucial votes. ly teachers) and placed negotiations able to use negotiations to make jected the Rainbow schedule. The At the time, most supporters of col- within the context of the education slow but steady improvements over two sides agreed to a mediator, but, lective bargaining believed that it profession, not broader labor law. time. when the mediator returned a report was an acceptable trade off for all Although no negotiations bill Sometime during the late 1960s, that advised against the Rainbow the positive aspects of the bill. Of had passed the legislature, ISEA’s however, the Keokuk board, which schedule as extreme and unneces- course, in 2017, when anti-labor leg- proposed legislation had provided was dominated by local business sary, Leland and the board ignored islators revised the act, they greatly a framework within which some leaders, made the decision to roll the report and announced their in- weakened the arbitration process Iowa teachers had negotiated with back this process, and teacher pay tention to move forward with their but retained the anti-strike clause, school boards during the 1960s. in particular. Although we don’t own proposals (which they were with its potentially crippling provi- While some administrators and have enough evidence to establish empowered to do under Iowa law). sions. board members saw negotiations exactly how and why they came Facing such threatening and unilat- Given this turn of events, what as a means by which to establish to this decision, it was made in the eral changes, Keokuk teachers vot- use then is the Keokuk story? The orderly and fair conditions within context of a new and highly contro- ed to strike. They were joined by the strike is a reminder that effective the education profession, teachers versial school funding law, which district’s custodial staff, who were collective action can take many significantly increased state aid for also engaged in deadlocked nego- forms, develop over long periods of public education, effectively estab- tiations with the board. Both groups time, and necessitate diverse com- lishing the basis for the mixed fund- of workers were strengthened by a munity alliances. Teachers’ success ing model that we have today. committee of community support- in the strike was possible only after YOUR Since the 1940s, ISEA had been ers made up of civil rights activists, years of internal organizing, and, lobbying for a significant increase private-sector union members, and even then, only with a community in state aid but had been defeated faith leaders. coalition that teachers and their al- VOTE in the legislature. By the late 1960s, The board immediately secured lies developed over the course of a new political coalition made an injunction finding that the KEA weeks preceding the strike. And, passage of greatly increased state was in violation of Iowa law. After while the Keokuk strike helped to IS funding aid possible, but it also several days in which the board at- transform the ISEA into a power- produced a political backlash at tempted to keep the schools operat- ful vehicle for rank-and-file teacher the state and local level. In Keokuk, ing, the judge who had issued the empowerment, the 1974 collective YOUR this backlash came to a head dur- injunction cited the KEA’s primary bargaining law and the strong con- ing the 1969-70 negotiations. Al- leadership for contempt of court tracts that came out of it were the though the negotiations had begun and ordered their arrest. Unexpect- result of more than the law itself. VOICE. largely uneventfully, they quickly edly, the image of teachers being They took thousands of small acts took a turn for the worse. taken to jail further strengthened of collective action over decades by The district’s new superinten- community support and broke the workers and their allies in commu- BE dent, Robert Leland, spearheaded board’s resolve. Meeting overnight nities all across the state. an aggressive posture. The center- in the jail, the board and KEA lead- Now, as we look toward the fu- piece of Leland’s plan was what ers negotiated a compromise agree- ture, the Keokuk strike reminds us HEARD. the teachers came to describe as ment, one that did not include the that Iowa workers can—and have— the “Rainbow” pay schedule. The Rainbow schedule. come together in ways that have existing schedule provided for pay Looking back from 2019, the improved conditions for all Iowans. grades corresponding to levels of Keokuk strike carries several pos- But such changes require collective education and seniority with some sible lessons. On the one hand, it is action in all its forms—especially additional “merit” pay. Teachers a reminder of the power of strikes. the everyday acts of solidarity that had fought long and hard for such As we have seen in places like often go unrecorded by historians. VOTE a system because it put some checks West Virginia, Oklahoma, and else- Only through such acts can we on rampant favoritism and gender where, work stoppages of various build the innumerable local move- discrimination by boards and ad- kinds can have a powerful effect ments and alliances that will be nec- NOV. 5th ministrators. on workers’ sense of themselves essary to create an Iowa that truly For teachers, the Rainbow sched- and their allies, as well as on their works for all working people. October 2019 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS Page 7  Around The AFLs  GRALF 2nd Annual Pancake Breakfast for mission of the Foundation, sup- , Rep Charlie Mc- GREAT RIVER AREA United Way of East Central Iowa, ported by IUPAT members and Conkey and Sen at- LABOR FEDERATION hoping to raise over $1,500. their employers, is to provide our tended the legislative forum. youth with the resources they need The WILF hosted a City Council Currently, the Great River Area SCIFL to live the fulfilling life they de- and School Board forum in Council Labor Federation is working on SOUTH CENTRAL IOWA serve. “Our hope is to lessen some Bluffs and held a golf and bags tour- endorsements for local city council FEDERATION OF LABOR of the everyday stressors like the nament to raise funds for COPE to and school board elections in No- financial responsibilities placed on support local endorsed candidates. vember. Each chapter hosted their Cradling New Life parents and students in our com- own Labor Day events this past Golf Tournament munities, by providing new school September and none were cancelled It is hard to believe it has been supplies” said JD Fitch, Business due to the rain. We have hosted nu- exactly one month since our 5th Manager of IUPAT District Coun- IOWA AREA merous events with the Labor Cen- Annual Golf Tournament. In what cil 81. “The men and women of the ter and have two upcoming events: seems like it could be a record July IUPAT are happy to help, and we LABOR Stewards Training Class in Keokuk, for the amount of families we have are all humbled by the opportuni- FEDERATION Iowa on Saturday, October 26th had referred to us, we would like ties we are afforded through our and Union’s Roles in Combating to thank each and every one of you PATCH Programs. We strongly be- CONTACTS Harassment and Discrimination in who donated, volunteered, golfed lieve, as a community-based orga- Rock Island, Illinois on Saturday, and showed your support. We nization, that we must invest in our GRALF November 16th. would like to give a VERY SPECIAL communities and the future of the Great River Area THANK YOU to IBEW LOCAL 55 children within them by partnering Labor Federation HALC for their unwavering support this with schools like Richard T. Castro President – Brad Greve. HAWKEYE AREA year and every year. This year they Elementary and others all over the 563-355-1182 or LABOR COUNCIL donated an extremely generous United States and Canada.” We [email protected]. amount of $10,000 which allowed would like to recognize Lt Gov. Fans for Sudan us to incur no expense for the golf Primavera, Denver District 3 City HALC Councilwoman Torres, Dr. Robert Hawkeye Area Villareal and the Staff of Richard T. Labor Council Castro Elementary for helping us in making this happen. President – Kelly Steinke. The Central Iowa Building and 319-396-8461 or Construction Trades Council and [email protected]. Union Sportsmen’s Alliance held a Executive Director – Youth Archery event at the Union Rick Moyle. 319-396-8461 or Labor Park in Des Moines. [email protected].

Solidarity for Soldiers SCIFL USW Local 310L member Chris South Central Iowa Federation of Labor continued from page 1 Tague helped raise over five vehi- cle loads of donations for the Des President – Mark Cooper. Moines Homeless Stand Down. 515-265-1862. [email protected]. WILF WESTERN IOWA WILF LABOR FEDERATION Western Iowa Labor Federation The WILF co-hosted a PRIDE President – event with allied groups in Sioux Scott Punteney. A letter to the Iowa City Federation brought fans to Sudan. City and Council Bluffs. 402-657-1007. A legislative forum was hosted [email protected]. This project was the creation of tournament and use all other dona- by the WILF in Council Bluffs. Reps the 11 year old son of Mazahir Satih, tions to help Iowa families with a Iowa City Council member and or- little one (or multiple) in the NICU. ganizer for the Center for Worker We thank you IBEW LOCAL 55!!! Justice. We are very grateful for your dedi- He came up with the idea on his cation to the community. What Is The MLPA? own, and sent letters to the Iowa The event raised over $50,000. Midwest Labor Press Association members from: Illinois, Indiana, City Federation, Teamsters and Car- (MLPA) was supported by Iowa La- Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minne- penters. “We were so impressed” Holiday Baskets bor when the delegates at the Iowa sota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin. said Greg Hearns, President of the SCIFL assembles hundreds of Federation of Labor convention vot- The objective of the MLPA, a Iowa City Federation Assembly. “It holiday baskets each year in mid ed to pass a resolution to promote not-for-profit organization, is to is heartwarming and encouraging December. These food baskets usu- labor press. increase the effectiveness of the to see the young people take the ally go to unions sisters and broth- The resolution asked the Iowa Labor Press in the Midwest Region lead.” ers who have been laid off or are Federation of Labor (IFL) and its of the United States and Canada, strike, or just need help. If you want as a communication medium in Our Community – Our Future to donate or help call 515-265-1862. support of the goals of the Labor The HALC held a workshop in Movement. Marshalltown, which is a new chap- Backpacks for Kids The IFL and MLPA are working ter for the HALC. The workshop This was all made possible be- on a process where State Federa- was designed to help build unity cause members within the com- tions could make all locals in their and to advance workers rights in munity volunteered their time state, members of the MLPA. Marshalltown. over the last two weeks to fill the affiliates to support the MLPA and The MLPA annual conference In July the Cedar Rapids/Iowa backpacks with resources that participate in their annual educa- was recently held in Dubuque, City Building trades held their an- were donated by the Painters and tion conference. Iowa, where the IFL received four nual Solidarity Motorcycle Ride Allied Trades for Children’s Hope “This is a great organization,” journalism awards. IFL Commu- and raised almost $20,000 for East- Foundation (PATCH). PATCH was said Ken Sagar, President of the nication director, Lance Coles was ern Iowa Honor Flights. established by the IUPAT in 2001 Iowa Federation of Labor. “And also awarded the organizations Eu- In August we held our annual golf to support organizations that pro- we, the labor movement, need to do gene Debs award. tournament and raised over $8,000 vide education and medical care more to support and build up the For more information about for Eastern Iowa Honor Flights. for children, as well as the oppor- Midwest Labor Press Association.’ the MLPA, go to their Facebook In October the HALC host the tunity to play sports. The primary The MLPA is comprised of union page. Page 8 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS October 2019