Priorities

We actively combat the misclassification of employees as independent contractors. Misclassification harms workers by denying them legally owed wages and benefits such as health insurance, paid time off and workers’ compensation. Misclassification also creates an un-level playing field for law-abiding employers.

The federal Davis-Bacon Prevailing Wage Act was passed in 1931 on the common-sense theory that government should not undermine wages and standards in American communities when it purchases construction services for itself. It ensures that federal contractors pay a fair wage for an honest day’s work. We believe Iowa should adopt a state prevailing wage law like neighboring states.

We strongly support the rights of workers to organize in unions. Through collective bargaining, we are creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, and making our communities strong. We support many types of policies and programs that can be used by federal, state and local government to boost employment, such as re-building crumbling infrastructure and investments in “green” building.

We are committed to expanding union construction career opportunities for women and people of color, and advocating for diversity and inclusion in the building and construction trades industry. We support programs and initiatives to recruit, train, mentor, and retain workers from nontraditional and traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, including apprenticeship readiness programs and partnerships with community and government organizations.

A Project Labor Agreement (PLA) is a pre-hire collective bargaining agreement with one or more labor organizations that establishes the terms and conditions of employment for a specific construction project. Studies have shown that PLAs are good for both public and private-sector construction projects. We oppose Iowa’s law banning PLAs on public construction projects.