The Cedar Rapids region Teamsters defend the rights of employees

Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Legislators in the state were urged to restore public employees’ rights by the Cedar Rapids Teamsters chapter and other labor organizations.

The Teamsters have gained national attention for their prominent and somewhat unexpected political affiliation, which coincides with Monday’s meeting.

The beginning of this tale occurred in 2017, when the Iowa legislature, then under Republican control, passed a bill pertaining to collective bargaining rights.

With regard to health insurance, overtime compensation, and a number of other matters that had previously been regulated by law, the bill meant that companies were no longer required to bargain with public employees.

Teamsters Local 238 and other supporters urged Congress to reinstate those privileges on Monday. A speaker criticized the Republican lawmakers for enacting the measure.

Following his speech at the Republican National Convention, Sean O’Brien, General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, held a local press conference.

Teamsters were questioned about if they were now supporting former President Donald Trump’s campaign as a group or if O’Brien’s decision was unexpected.

“What is a surprise is not the actions of the Teamsters, but the actions of employers and the actions of the state legislature, who’s actively stripped away rights and dignity from 180,000 public service workers in the state,” said Jesse Case, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 238.

Several prominent local Democrats, including State Representative Sami Scheetz and State Senator Molly Donahue, joined Local 238 for the occasion.