IA
Iowa Senate Bill SF225

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF225

Introduced
2/7/23  
Introduced
2/7/23  

Caption

A bill for an act designating individuals who perform work on electric utility lines as public safety employees for purposes of public employee collective bargaining and including applicability provisions.

Impact

The bill's passage would have a direct impact on labor relations within the electric utility sector in Iowa. By classifying these workers as public safety employees, the legislation enables them access to enhanced bargaining rights regarding wages, working conditions, and safety protocols. Advocates argue that this change is necessary for ensuring that those who maintain critical infrastructure are adequately supported and compensated, given the potential dangers associated with their work.

Summary

Senate File 225 proposes to designate individuals performing work on electric utility lines as public safety employees under Iowa law. This categorization is significant as it allows these workers to engage in collective bargaining under the provisions of Chapter 20 of the Iowa Code, which is specifically tailored to public safety employees. Such designation aims to afford electric utility workers protections and rights comparable to those given to police officers, firefighters, and other first responders.

Conclusion

In summary, SF225 seeks to formalize the worker classification for electric utility employees, thereby enhancing their rights and protections. Its implications could reshape the landscape of labor relations in Iowa's utility sector, potentially setting a precedent for similar legislation in other states.

Contention

However, the bill might also present points of contention among stakeholders in the energy sector. Concerns have been raised about increased operational costs for utility companies, who might bear the brunt of higher wages and improved benefits as a result of the new collective bargaining powers. Critics may argue that this could lead to higher utility rates for consumers, which could spark debates around economic feasibility and fairness within labor policies.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF213

A bill for an act designating snow plow operators as public safety employees for purposes of public employee collective bargaining and including applicability provisions.

IA SF432

A bill for an act designating peace officers employed by regents institutions as public safety employees for purposes of public employee collective bargaining and including applicability provisions.

IA HF520

A bill for an act designating correctional officers as public safety employees for purposes of the public employment relations Act and including applicability provisions.

IA HF677

A bill for an act designating correctional officers as public safety employees for purposes of the public employment relations Act and including applicability provisions.

IA SF263

A bill for an act relating to employment matters involving public employees including collective bargaining, educator employment matters, and city civil service requirements, and including effective date, applicability, and transition provisions.

IA SF458

A bill for an act concerning employment matters involving public employees including collective bargaining, educator employment matters, personnel records and settlement agreements, city civil service requirements, and health insurance matters, and including effective date, applicability, and transition provisions.

IA SF64

A bill for an act relating to certain employees of the department of corrections, including collective bargaining, health insurance for a surviving spouse and children of certain employees of the department, and certain operational and employment matters involving the department, and including applicability provisions.

IA SF2374

A bill for an act relating to retention and recertification elections for public employee collective bargaining units and including applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 3158.)

IA HF672

A bill for an act relating to mandatory subjects of negotiation for public employee collective bargaining and including applicability provisions.

IA SF472

A bill for an act relating to retention and recertification elections for public employee collective bargaining units and including effective date and applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 1172.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.