Your Member Liaison | P: 712-898-0083 | E: [email protected]

In early March, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Protecting the Right to Organize” (PRO) Act. The radical policies contained in the PRO Act have historically been rejected by our judicial system, opposed by Congress in a bipartisan manner and even rejected by the agencies asked to enforce them.

Now that liberals control Congress, they’re pushing their big labor wish list. This legislation would violate workers’ privacy by requiring employers to furnish sensitive personal employee information to union organizers, including cell phone numbers, email addresses, and home addresses. It will end the ability of Iowans to work as independent contractors, like Lyft and Uber drivers, and food delivery services such as Grub Hub. It also contains numerous other changes to settled U.S. labor laws that have been in place for generations.

Worse yet, the PRO Act would go even further for Iowans by eliminating Iowa’s right to work law. This law has been in effect since the 1950’s and provides Iowans the freedom and choice to join a union or not join a union.

Eliminating Iowa’s right to work law will destroy companies, eliminate jobs, cut Iowans’ take- home incomes, and force workers to fund union activity they may not support through forced union dues.

The PRO Act now faces the 60-vote threshold of the Senate. We are confident that Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst will stand with us, but there are other Senators who are wavering. You can make your voice heard on the PRO Act with ABC’s Action Alert App.

P: 515-985-1175 | E: [email protected]

The ABC of Iowa Apprenticeship & Training Trust will be participating in the Build My Future Event on April 14th at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. 

This event is hosted by The Iowa Skilled Trades and the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines and is an opportunity to interact with hundreds of high school students from across the state who are interested in the trades.

We will have a booth and be bringing our Career Exploration Trailer. Additionally, ABC of Iowa members will be helping staff our booth as well as representing their own companies with interactive booths.

We are rolling out additional Continuing Education classes over the coming weeks, including Electrical Exam Prep and NEC Review Classes in Grimes, Hiawatha and Davenport. Watch our website for more details.

On March 29, the state Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board voted to extend the 2020 renewal period for an additional two months. They anticipate this will be the final extension given for the 2020 renewal. Licensees will now have until June 1, 2021 to renew their license without penalty for the 2020 renewal. Click here for more details.

P: 515-681-5620 | E: [email protected]

Congratulations to our member companies who were recognized by ABC National on the 2021 Top Performers List, which honors ABC member contractors in safety, quality, diversity, project excellence and special designations, ranked by work hours.

(L to R): Board Chairman, Loren Field of Younglove Construction, L.L.C. and Jim Ellis of Price Electric, Young Professional of the Year, and ABC of Iowa Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors.

ABC of Iowa Vice Chairman Jim Ellis of Price Electric, was named the Young Professional of the Year at the ABC National Convention in March. ABC National Chair of the Board of Directors Steve Klessig said, “Jim Ellis has made a meaningful, long-term impact on the merit shop construction industry on the local and national level.” Congrats, Jim on this well-deserved honor. 

P: 515-681-1542 | E: [email protected]

What is your OSHA safety compliance and training strategy this year? Let us help!

Our Iowa OSHA Alliance provides our members safer and more healthful work places through combined efforts in raising awareness of OSHA, OSHA outreach, training and education, and focus on significant workplace hazards. We will be rolling out Lunch and Learn events across the state, which will be FREE to members, and feature Chris Downs with Iowa OSHA.

Check out our new STEP Flyer, highlighting the many benefits of STEP on your bottom line and improving safety performance of your company. Members who enroll today will receive a free add-on, like: field audit, shop audit, safety training program review, training session.

Iowa OSHA had not yet adopted the NEP as of our conversation with them on March 23, but we expect they will adopt it or incorporate a similar program. Iowa OSHA has until May 12th to notify Federal OSHA of their intent. We will keep in contact with them and share new information as it becomes available.

5:30 p.m.

Excellence in Construction Gala

Iowa Events Center

4:30 p.m.

Waterloo/Cedar Falls After Business Cocktails

Jameson’s Public House

11 a.m.

Spring Golf Classic

Blue Top Ridge at Riverside

6 p.m.

2021 Apprenticeship Graduation

Iowa Events Center

P: 515-985-1164 | E: [email protected]

Monthly Member News - April 2021 | Questions? - Call 515-985-1160