One of the state's largest public employee unions has registered against a union-related bill that it supported in previous years.
The proposal is commonly known as "fair share." It would allow public employee unions to charge nonunion workers a fee for services they provide for such things as handling grievances and taking the lead in arbitration.
Opponents said the bill, House Study Bill 702, erodes the state's "right to work" law, which prohibits requiring the payment of union dues or fees as part of employment. Advocates, however, said it simply would provide payment for services that unions provide.
The Iowa State Education Association, which has roughly 34,000 members, registered Friday against the bill.
The problem? The bill is too watered down, said spokeswoman Jean Hessburg.
The bill applies only to state executive branch employees. Local governments, including schools that are not one of Iowa's three state universities, would not be affected.
“You will have a situation where some employees at a regents university would be covered and then just across the street at a public school they are not covered,” Hessburg said.
Race could signal direction of GOP
Republicans in Iowa will be watching a GOP candidate forum in Pocahontas next week for a test of "tea party" strength and a glimpse at the potential impact of divisions in the party.
Republican primary opponents Tom Shaw of Laurens and Steven Richards of Algona will meet on Friday to discuss with party activists the race for Iowa House District 8.
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Des Moines Register
Iowa Politics Insider
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