Across the border in Wisconsin thousands are standing up for workers’ rights in the midst of an all out attack by Republican Governor Scott Walker. Unfortunately, their reality could be ours sooner than you think.
Governor Branstad has never been a strong supporter of organized labor or working families in Iowa. In fact, he has made weakening unions – especially those of public employees – a top priority in his new term. In the coming weeks, he will ask the Legislature to begin chipping away at bargaining rights of Iowans by removing health insurance benefits from the list of bargaining topics. His plan would also allow the governor and Legislature to overturn decisions reached with workers during arbitration.
The same, union-busting, anti-worker agenda is just as evident in Iowa as it is in Wisconsin. Will you help us fight back?
This shouldn’t be surprising given Gov. Branstad’s support for what Scott Walker is doing. In an interview with POLITICO about Republican efforts to weaken unions across the country, Branstad promised an “all-out effort” to take control of the Iowa Senate in order to “do what other states are doing and what has to be done for the long term.” He also applauded his fellow Republican governors for being “bold” and said they “came in with a mission.”
His support for Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and his extreme agenda couldn’t be more clear.
By standing in solidarity, we will show Gov. Branstad and Iowa Republicans that what backfired for Scott Walker, is not going to work in Iowa either.