Union workers implore GOP to reject collective bargaining changes

Iowa public employees and union leaders implored Iowa legislators Wednesday to reject a Republican-sponsored collective bargaining bill as they voiced concerns over sweeping changes that would dramatically restrict public-sector workers' ability to negotiate contracts with state and local governments and school districts.

"Don't just listen to me. Hear me," Teamsters Local 238 member Jason Back said in an emotional testimony during a House subcommittee meeting that drew a standing ovation from onlookers. It was the first of three committee meetings that advanced the legislation Wednesday.

Republican legislators on Tuesday introduced the 68-page bill that would make changes to nearly every aspect of Iowa's collective bargaining laws, leaving many of those who would be affected "blindsided," union leaders said.

The proposed changes would limit contract negotiations only to base wages, cutting out negotiations over issues such as health insurance, evaluation procedures, seniority-related benefits, vacation and overtime policies. But public safety workers, including police officers and firefighters, would be exempted from the legislation's broadest changes.

Read more: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2017/02/08/union-workers-implore-gop-reconsider-collective-bargaining-changes-iowa-legislature/97636434/