The long-dreaded collective bargaining legislation that was crafted behind closed doors has been released in the Iowa House and Senate, and it’s worse than we ever imagined. The same bill (House Study Bill 84 and Senate File 213) was released in both chambers so that the passage could be expedited and sent to the Governor.

Let me be clear: this bill completely guts collective bargaining for public employees in Iowa. If we could’ve predicted what “Wisconsin on steroids” meant, this would be it. Nearly every topic of bargaining that was mandatory is now illegal. The only thing left that has to be bargained is base pay. Grievances are off the table, there is no requirement for “just cause” for firing an employee, seniority is gone, all dues deductions are gone, and re-certification is required for every contract, plus the union has to eat the cost of that election. These are just a few of the points that take this bill from a “thoughtful review,” as Representative Deyoe suggested, to a full-fledged vindictive attack. As we continue to analyze this bill, we will send additional information that it contains.

This bill will move very quickly through both chambers. It could very well be signed into law by this time next week. We know this is short notice, but we really need you to show up and PACK the following meetings:

TOMORROW (2/8) at 8:45 AM , 11:30 AM , and 3:00 PM at the State Capitol 8:45 AM House Subcommittee on HSB 84 in Room 103 (Supreme Court Chamber) [three people voting to send the bill to the full committee] 11:30 AM Senate Subcommittee on SF 213 in Room 116 3:00 PM House Labor Committee on HSB 84 in Room 103 (Supreme Court Chamber) [full committee voting to send the bill to the House floor for debate and a vote]

THURSDAY (2/9) at 1:30 PM at the State Capitol 1:30 PM Senate Labor Committee on SF 213, Room TBA



If you can’t make these meetings, please call your State Representative at 855-790-8815 and Senator at 844-332-8460, or text IOWA to 237-263 to be connected. Ask them to VOTE NO on HSB 84/SF 213.

We will continue to keep you up to date on this bill and opportunities to show up and speak out. We’re in for the fight of our lives and this sweeping attack affects all of us. Please encourage your friends and family to join you in this fight; it’s going to take all of us.

In Solidarity,

Danny Homan, President

AFSCME Council 61