Are Iowa workers entitled to breaks?

For workers under the age of 16, employers must grant a 30 minute meal break for shifts lasting five or more consecutive hours. For all other employees, employers are not required by federal or state law to provide breaks; however, breaks lasting less than 20 minutes must be paid. Longer break periods can be unpaid.

How promptly must employers pay employees?

Employers are allowed to pay workers monthly, semi-monthly or biweekly. At the end of a designated pay period, employers legally have 12 business days to provide compensation. Business days excludes Sundays and legal holidays.

What is the minimum wage for tipped workers?

The minimum wage for tipped employees is $4.35 per hour; however, if the amount of tips received combined with this minimum is less than the average federal minimum hourly wage, then employers must make up the difference. In other words, tipped workers are entitled to at least an average of $7.25 per hour.

Can employers make workers pay for uniforms?

If a uniform has a company logo or another feature that would render the uniform unusable outside of work, employers cannot deduct the cost from an employee’s paycheck. If required work attire is generic, such as a combination of a white shirt and brown pants, workers may be required to purchase their own work clothes.

Can workers in Iowa request leave to vote?

In Iowa, your employer must allow you three consecutive hours of unpaid leave on election days so that you can vote. That said, you must give your employer a written notice at least a day in advance.

Does the employer have to bargain with a labor union?

Employers are required by law to bargain in “good faith” with certified labor organizations and their legal representation. This means that an employer must not refuse to meet at reasonable times, they cannot refuse to meet or refuse to discuss the topics necessary to come to an agreement. This does not mean that an employer has to agree to a reasonable offer, but they cannot use “take it or leave it” or other unfair bargaining tactics.

What are subjects that must be included in a collective bargaining agreement?

Employers and employees, or their representation must bargain over “Wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.” This may appear broad and vague, however over the years this has been refined to specific items that must be included in bargaining. These include:

• Wages
• Hours
• Fringe Benefits
• Health and Safety
• Grievance Procedures
• Arbitration
• Health and Safety
• Non-Discrimination Clauses
• No-Strike Clauses
• Length of Contract
• Discipline
• Management Rights
• Seniority
• And Union Security