Iowa Republicans rush anti-apprenticeship, anti-union contracting bill, raising safety concerns

In 24 hours, Republicans in both chambers passed a bill that takes away an Iowa city’s ability to prefer contracts with established training programs for taxpayer funded projects.

Iowa Republicans passed a controversial bill this week stopping local governments from requiring workforce training standards for contractors on public projects, a major blow to union and non-union contractors in Iowa that have established training programs. 

The legislation was rushed through both chambers on Wednesday and now heads to Gov. Kim Reynolds for signature.

The bill prevents cities, counties, and school districts from considering whether contractors have established training programs when awarding development projects, including those seeking millions in tax incentives. It was initially a bill that had broader support from the trades, but it was amended by Republican Rep. Bobby Kaufmann of Wilton adding the anti-training standards language. 

“Job site safety has been a concern of mine for my entire professional career,” said Sen. Tom Townsend, a Democrat from Dubuque. “The amendment offered to SF 603, which was sent over from the House, makes job sites less safe. Period.”

Democrats and some Republicans expressed concerns that the bill could undermine workforce development and potentially jeopardize federal funding. Townsend warned that “irresponsible, out-of-state contractors that come in and use untrained, unqualified workers put projects at risk and cost our communities millions when they have to be re-done.”

Republicans supporting the measure, including Kaufmann, argued it addresses concerns about local entities favoring certain organizations, particularly unions.

“Belonging to a union is a great thing,” Kaufmann said. “They can still bid on these contracts. They just can’t have a local city — the city of Des Moines — thinking they’re the Legislature.”

Republican Sen. Charlie McClintock of Alburnett attempted to remove the House’s changes but was voted down. The bill also modifies unemployment insurance regulations by changing the definition of “taxable wages.”

Labor advocates have called on Governor Reynolds to veto the legislation.