Gov. Chet Culver bolstered his ties to organized labor Wednesday by signing an executive order sought by construction unions, although he quickly emphasized he won't try to repeal Iowa's right-to-work law.
Critics seized on the issue and indicated Culver's support for unions could become a rallying cry for Republicans as they try to oust the Democratic incumbent in the fall election.
Culver signed an executive order Wednesday that will require all state departments and agencies to consider using so-called project labor agreements, known as PLAs, on large state construction projects. He received a standing ovation from union members attending the 57th annual state convention of the Iowa State Building and Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO, at the Hotel Fort Des Moines.
A PLA is an agreement designed to coordinate labor relations, including wages and benefits, between multiple construction trade unions and contractors on a specific construction site. Supporters say PLAs ensure that large projects are completed on time and in an efficient manner. Opponents disagree, saying the deals discriminate against nonunion contractors and drive up costs for taxpayers.
Culver's critics said they were alarmed at Culver's executive order, describing it as a significant effort to erode Iowa's right-to-work law, which is more than six decades old. The law means that employees who work in Iowa, except on federal property or for a railway or airline, have a right to resign from union membership and not pay union dues or fees. Twenty-one other states have right-to-work laws, mostly in Southern and Western states.
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Des Moines Register
William Petroski
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