Regional Industry & News

Iowa union members rally for workers’ rights at Des Moines Labor Day parade

DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Media Iowa State Capitol Bureau) — Iowa union members and supporters filled downtown Des Moines for the Labor Day parade, turning the rainy event into a rally for workers’ rights two months ahead of the midterm election.

Dozens of unions were represented, including teachers, engineers and bus drivers.

Nurses union among those marching

Jessica Roth is one of more than 800 nurses with UnityPoint who are now unionized.

“We have worked very very hard for the past several years just trying to get equal rights and everything. And letting our community and our state know how important you guys are to us,” Roth said.

Roth said this Labor Day is about protecting workers’ rights.

“We need to stay healthy and we need to stay protected as well, so this means a lot to us,” Roth said.

Jim Aldman also attended the parade Monday. He said the day should be a reminder of how important it is to protect the working class.

“It’s extremely [important] to show support for democracy and the workers that provide and do the work for America,” Aldman said.

Candidates address workers

Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Dave Muhlbauer served as grand marshal of the Des Moines parade.

Muhlbauer and gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand have proposed raising the state minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $12 per hour if elected.

Muhlbauer said workers still need support, especially with the rising cost of living.

“It goes back to the crisis of cost. They want to be paid fairly for what they do, we want to support them in doing that when we look at everyday costs, just putting food on the table, affordable housing,” Muhlbauer said.

Job market shows signs of slowing

Iowa lost more than 3,000 jobs in July compared with June.

Muhlbauer said supporting workers needs to be part of growing the state’s economy.

“Our economy in general, I mean, our state’s looking at a $1.4 billion budget deficit. We know we have to focus back on growing our state economy, improving our farming economy, and helping support the people that do that,” Muhlbauer said.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn was also asked about his plans for Iowa workers. He shared in a statement that putting Iowa first means fighting to make sure Iowa jobs are for Iowans. Lahn’s campaign said, “When Lahn is governor, illegal aliens are not welcome in Iowa.”

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Isabella Warren covers state government and politics for Gray Media-owned stations in Iowa. Email her at isabella.warren@kcrg.com; and follow her on Facebook at Isabella Warren TV on X/Twitter@isabellaw_gray, and on Instagram@IsabellaWarrenTV.