DES MOINES – One of Iowa’s most-vocal labor unions decried alleged attacks by Republican lawmakers on their rights and the rights of LGBTQ citizens, claiming the struggle to preserve both are “rooted in same fight for freedom.”
AFSCME Council 61 issued the following statements after this year’s first legislative funnel deadline, in response to what they call the “unprecedented attacks on LGBTQ Iowans”:
“Every Iowan deserves and values their freedom. The freedom to organize and join a union at work. The freedom to be who you are, without worrying about bullying or discrimination. The rights of Iowa workers and the rights of LGBTQ Iowans are rooted in the same struggle for freedom and equality. Workers are again under attack during this year’s session, and there are a record number of proposals that would strip away the basic human rights of LGBTQ Iowans. AFSCME understands that an attack on one Iowans’ freedom is an attack on all of our freedoms. We oppose these unprecedented attacks on our fellow Iowans, and stand in solidarity with everyone in our state working to protect the freedoms we value.”
· Rick Eilander, President, AFSCME Council 61
“It has been incredibly difficult to watch this year’s legislative session firsthand. Governor Reynolds and the Republican majorities have again attacked workers. They’ve attacked our public schools. And they have attacked LGBTQ Iowans with more hateful legislation than ever before. They want to strip away our dignity because we demand better pay, safer workplaces, or because of who we are and who we love. These fights are one and the same. And we must keep using our collective voice to contact legislators, the Governor, and hold elected officials accountable. We have and always will stand in solidarity to protect the freedoms of our members and of every Iowan.”
· Melissa Speed, Political Director, AFSCME Council 61
In this year’s Iowa legislative session, a number of bills aimed LGBTQ rights have been introduced by Republican lawmakers, who are notorious for attacking the rights of workers while promoting policies and laws that allow businesses to exploit employees. Under legislation currently under consideration by the GOP-led Iowa Legislature, young teens could work longer hours and in more dangerous situations. Iowans have rallied to try and prevent the law from getting to Governor Kim Reynolds’ desk, who is likely to sign off.
On Sunday, March 5, at 2:00 PM, Iowans gathered at the state capitol building for a “Rally To Resist” the so-called anti-LGBTQ legislation.
The Iowa Legislature remans in session and begins work again Monday.
