Iowa bargaining (public union) debate goes on

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Omaha World Herald-AP

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa House is methodically rejecting efforts to weaken an overhaul of the state's collective bargaining laws.

Supporters say the overhaul is needed to save money and head off a projected state budget shortfall. The Republican controlled House debated the measure into the night Wednesday and was spending all day Thursday fighting over the measure again.

In its final version, the measure would force state workers to pay at least $100 a month toward their health insurance costs and end their right to have a voice in layoff procedures.

Critics say the measure is an attack on the middle class and part of a national assault on public unions that are a key part of the Democratic base.


Read more: http://www.omaha.com/article/20110310/NEWS01/703109814#iowa-bargaining-debate-goes-on

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There is more to it than this. I'll look for full info later today. I'm headed out the door to therapy. IF anyone has the full info before I get to it, please post it!

[Kingofalldems]

1. The filthy think tank cons have been talking about this

quite a bit in the last couple years. It IS a concerted and coordinated effort.

[wysingm]

2. full info

House File 525 would change how unions can bargain. If approved, the bill would bring the first changes to Iowa's collective bargaining laws in 37 years. The proposal limits what public unions can negotiate during contract talks, so members can no longer negotiate health benefits. It would also let state workers declare themselves "free agents", separating themselves from union representation if they want.

http://coolice.legis.state.ia.us/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=billinfo&Service=Billbook&menu=false&hbill=HF525

.

[jwirr]

4. They have their work cut out for them because most farmers are not

union and it is the cities that have strong union ties. A quick look at a map shows that there are not all that many big cities. Keep strong.

[Omaha Steve]

5. Welcome to the DU

Thanks for the assist on the info!

Free agents can get paid more than the contract scale. It is a great union buster.

[Snoutport]

3. hang tight iowa!

kick