Dems Nod at Labor

Governor Chet Culver issued an Executive Order this week that will require state government construction projects to consider using Project Labor Agreements. Culver made his remarks to meeting of union members attending the Iowa State Building and Construction Trades Council and the AFL-CIO on Wednesday. On Thursday, House Democrats introduced two separate proposals known as “Fair Share” and “Prevailing Wage”. The first proposal allows public employee unions to charge non union workers for services provided by the union. Private companies on government projects would be required to pay the “prevailing wage” in their area.

Next week, bills must be passed out of their assigned committees to receive further consideration this year. However, many bills are exempt from this requirement and “live rounds” can be amended. These primarily include bills in Appropriations, Ways and Means, and Government Oversight committees, Bills cosponsored by Majority and Minority Leaders of one House, Companion Bills sponsored by the Majority Leaders of both Houses after consultation with the respective Minority Leaders, Conference Committee Reports. (see Iowa Code Sec. 17A.8(9)).

Submitted by Scott Weiser, President of CSG