Against the background of a dismal federal jobs report, two Iowa business group leaders on Friday said the state’s employers remain optimistic about the economy here, although they also warned against the impact of ongoing uncertainty in federal trade policy.
Mexico Lindo Grill & Cantina has locations in West Branch, Iowa City, and North Liberty.
The owner and managers of Hawkeye Waste Systems are facing a felony charge after an investigation into the 2024 death of an employee revealed the company did not have workers’ compensation insurance, which is required by Iowa law.
Corteva Agriscience, the most dominant player in the U.S. corn industry, has said it takes labor abuses in its supply chain seriously. But, it’s hired labor contractor T. Bell Detasseling, which has repeatedly run afoul of federal labor laws.
Iowa Workforce Development granted waivers to two Iowa employers to train 16- and 17-year-olds to perform hazardous work, despite federal restrictions and safety concerns, including risk of amputation.
Roundtable notes conflict between Iowa, federal regulations
Excessive restrictions get in the way of opportunities.
Iowa’s governor and all-Republican congressional delegation said in a letter to the U.S. Department of Labor that their offices have received “numerous reports from small business owners who have been subject to investigations and excessive penalties by the U.S. Department of Labor.”
Iowa restaurants are facing fines up to $180,000 for letting teens work longer hours than permitted under federal rules.
The Iowa Restaurant Association heralded it as a “legislative win” for its members when lawmakers relaxed rules on youth employment. Now, it's warning members to revert to following the stricter federal regulations for workers under 16.
A Tennessee-based sanitation company has agreed to pay more than half a million dollars after a federal investigation found it illegally hired at least two dozen children to clean dangerous meat processing facilities in Iowa and Virginia.
The U.S. Department of Labor has ordered Lu’s Deli to pay back tens of thousands of dollars in wages and damages after finding that its management pooled tips improperly for years.
Statehouse Republicans, in response, contend Iowa Democrats and the Biden administration are working together to misrepresent Iowa’s youth employment laws.
Iowa House lawmakers approved bipartisan changes to a controversial bill to relax some of Iowa’s child labor laws. The amended bill is now headed to the Senate for final approval.
Union workers from across Iowa gathered at the State Capitol Monday to protest proposals loosening state child labor laws.
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