DES MOINES – The Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO has filed an OSHA complaint against the leadership of the Iowa House and Senate regarding their reckless disregard for the safety of workers there and well-being of everyone that enters the capitol.
Statement from Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO:
The leadership has refused to enact or enforce a mandatory mask policy for those that work or visit the legislature. As the seat of our state government, the Iowa State Capitol is an important, busy, and large workplace, which should set the example of how Iowans should conduct business, including the important business of government, in a safe and responsible manner.
This lack of concern is a blatant avoidance of the seriousness of this pandemic and has accelerated the spreading of it. Iowa is 7th worst in the nation regarding COVID-19 cases. Several other states have a mandatory mask policy or have closed in person sessions.
The leadership claims they can not enforce a mask mandate, yet they can and do enforce a clothing attire mandate. A mask is a simple measure that protects all.
“The House and Senate leadership has the authority to make a mask mandate, yet they have so far chosen not to,” said Charlie Wishman, President of the Iowa Federation of Labor. “It appears they do not really care about the safety and wellbeing of everyone that comes into the capitol. This is a public health concern.”
The IFL and allies have filed this complaint with Iowa OSHA, claiming that the Leadership at the capitol has a general duty to provide a workplace that is free from hazards that could cause death or physical harm. This complaint is based on OSHA and CDC guidelines. “Worker health and safety, no matter the workplace, is our communities’ health and safety. The lack of following these guidelines is contributing to the spread of this pandemic.” said Wishman.
The IFL also claims the leaders at the Capitol are failing to comply with the CDC’s “Guidance and for Businesses and Employers responding to COVID-19,” which states that “Employers have an obligation to manage the potentially exposed workers’ return to work in ways that best protect the health of those workers, their co-workers, and the general public. To comply with the CDC’s guidance, the Iowa State Capitol must not only a self-reporting requirement, but also a robust contract tracing program.
The Iowa Department of Public Health states that “everyone should cover their mouth and nose with a mask when around others” and wear a mask in public settings and continue social distancing even when wearing a mask. The Public Health Association recently sent a letter to all state lawmakers asking them for a requirement of masks at the capitol.
Other states have mandated masks and social distancing or cancelled their legislative sessions. “This should be about public health and the safety of employees in the capitol building, not politics.” said Wishman.
“We recognize that public input is essential to the legislative process. Safety should be a priority for both chambers of the Iowa Legislature, yet the House and Senate have very different policies on input from the general public. The House policy requires in person participation for subcommittee debate, thus placing people in harm’s way. There is an easy fix to this solution, and that’s for the House to adopt the rules the Senate has regarding subcommittees.”
This is not a partisan attack – COVID-19 can impact any of our citizens regardless of political, social, or economic standing. We have sincere concerns regarding the safety of our fellow citizens who work and visit the Iowa State Capitol
Attachment: Letter sent to Iowa Senate and House Leadership
This is a partisan attack. It is a power play from the Communist, I mean tolerant Democrats. Just like in the comments.
“They are Republicans. They don’t believe in the virus”. Yes, we do. We also understand science, that states that, for MOST people it is no worse than the flu. IF THE PERSON HAS PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS OR COMPROMISED IMMUNE SYSTEM (like old people) then it is devastating.
We don’t follow the mainstream media leaders, because we are not sheep. You insult any and all that don’t agree with your Communist masters, be a shame if you actually thought for yourself even once. Then, you would be one of us, there is no going back after you see the truth.
Yeah, tell that to the 4500 dead in Iowa and the 400,000+ dead in the US. Not serious at all.
Did any of them have underlying conditions?
Yes, they did. But covid killed them.
If someone with terminal cancer was killed in a car accident, would you say they died of cancer?
The bot becomes confused and disoriented with facts and reason… please go easy on the bot.
They are Republicans. They don’t believe in the virus but we can rest assured, they were first in line to get the vaccine. Until Donny tells them they need to wear them, they won’t. Of course, Donny is gone but Covid Kim is till running the show. If she would tell them they had to, they would. But she won’t because she takes her orders from the Trump cartel.
envious?
Envious of stupidity? No.
OSHA to do what?
Apply a large fine to the tax payers of Iowa, for non compliance. The president has spoken!
dream on
IF, OSHA fines the government, who do you think pays the fine. Time for a reality check?