Public sector workers in Iowa are covered under Iowa's Public Employment Relations Act (PERA). This part of the Iowa Code lays out employee and employer rights and restrictions when it comes to organizing and reaching a collective bargaining agreement. Public sector employees in Iowa do not have the right to strike and are guaranteed to contract through the binding arbitration process if the parties reach an impasse at the bargaining table.
Employee Rights Under the Law
The Iowa state law says public sector workers have a right to form a union without fear of reprisal, intimidation, coercion or interference from the employer. Employees have the right to engage in concerted activities and join together with their coworkers to have a voice in their working standards. If a public employer in Iowa interferes or retaliates against an employee for exercising these rights it is a prohibitive practice charge (PPC) and charges can be filed with Iowa's Public Employment Relations Board.
Steps in the Organizing Process
Form a committee of coworkers (organizing committee)
Assess coworkers
Sign Authorization Cards or Authorization Petition
File for secret ballot election with the Public Employment Relations Board
