Where things stand with Republican bills targeting Iowa workers

Republican attacks on working Iowans have received less attention this year than in 2017, when new laws shredded public employee collective bargaining rights, blocked local governments from raising the minimum wage, and reduced workers’ compensation benefits, especially for those who hurt their shoulder on the job.

But below the radar, GOP lawmakers have moved several bills lately that would make life harder for working people, including some facing the difficult circumstances of unemployment or workplace injury.

SIGNED INTO LAW: FEWER RIGHTS AND LEGAL OPTIONS FOR FAST-FOOD WORKERS

House File 327 was a low-profile bill. To my knowledge, no media reported on the proposal while it was pending or after its passage. But it could affect thousands of Iowans employed at franchise restaurant chains.

Alison Ver Schuer, a research analyst on the Iowa House Democratic staff, prepared a helpful summary of the bill’s origins and provisions.

Read more: https://www.bleedingheartland.com/2019/04/11/where-things-stand-with-republican-bills-targeting-iowa-workers/