‘We have to keep fighting’: Labor advocates in Iowa City show support for unions

IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – This Labor Day, dozens of people gathered in Iowa City to celebrate the achievements of unions and to look for ways to make a better future for workers.

The Iowa City Federation of Labor hosted a picnic for the holiday. Gary Sanders, a 50-year member of unions, was one of those in attendance. He said the holiday was an opportunity to remember the progress that’s been made.

“We are reminded again that it’s because of labor unions in this country that we have a 40-hour work week, that we have safety issues and rules, that we have a minimum wage, that we have paid overtime,” said Sanders.

Many at Monday’s picnic said, despite all the successes from the past, workers right now are facing historic inequality.

“There’s just broad and deep awareness that our economy is out of whack. You know, we have CEO pay that’s almost 300 times what an average worker earns in a year,” said Jennifer Sherer, President of the Iowa City Federation of Labor.

Union supporters said, in Iowa specifically, organized labor is facing opposition and workers’ rights are being rolled back.

“In 2017, the Republican legislature and the Governor rolled back most of the bargaining rights for public sector workers in this state,” said Sanders.

“The child labor law changes in 2023 are just yet another example of very extreme anti-worker state legislation in what’s now become a long list since 2017,” added Sherer.

With unions on their mind, these advocates are looking to find like-minded leaders.

“I think people are very focused on the fall elections right now,” said Sherer.

“We have to keep fighting even for what we’ve maintained so far,” added Sanders.

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