Iowa labor and employment laws deal primarily with the relationship between employers and unions. Iowa labor and employment law education and training includes a broad range of issues, such as hiring and firing practices, medical leave, overtime, worker safety standards and wages.

Labor law in Iowa is prohibited from interfering with federal labor laws or guidelines produced by federal agencies. Employer/employee relations were brought to the federal level in 1935 with the National Labor Relations Act (NRLA). Employers and employees may have their relationships governed by state laws if they are not subject to the NRLA. There are three steps to learning about labor and employment laws in Iowa:

1. Formal education. An attorney who practices Iowa work laws will typically need at least a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
2. Specialization. Attorneys can choose to specialize by taking legal training that is specific to labor and employment law in Iowa.
3. Membership in professional organizations. There are many organizations of attorneys based on their area of specialty, such as labor and employment law.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Attend a law school that specializes in Iowa labor law

There are a variety of universities in Iowa that provide training in state of Iowa employment laws, such as specific coursework, a formal concentration or legal clinics.

I recommend: Drake University Law School offers several courses in employment law to its second and third year students. The University of Iowa College of Law offers specialized courses in employment and labor law.

Obtain Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit for labor lawyers in Iowa

Iowa requires attorneys to stay current on changes in employment law with CLE courses. There are a variety of education and training programs in Iowa that provide CLE credit in labor and employment law.

I recommend: West LegalEdcenter provides a search capability of CLE courses by state and legal specialty, including labor law. Lorman Education Services offers a variety of teleconferences on labor and employment law that provide CLE credit in Iowa.

Learn through professional training associations on Iowa labor laws

Professional associations frequently offer formal training such as conferences, seminars and workshops in employment and labor law. These organizations also provide more casual meetings that allow attorneys to exchange tips on building and maintaining a practice.

I recommend: The Iowa Municipal Attorneys Association provides educational articles on employment law, such as "Public Employers and E-mail: A Primer for the Practitioner and the Public." The Iowa State Bar Association offers several courses in employment law in Iowa.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Employment lawyers in Iowa should also be alert for educational opportunities that do not provide CLE credit but nevertheless provide important information on labor and employment law. A typical event of this type might consist of watching a specific legal issue being reenacted by actors followed by a legal analysis in a relaxed atmosphere.

Iowa labor laws are in place to protect Iowans. The state expects employers to know the Iowa work laws that apply to their business. Ignorance of Iowa labor law is not a viable defense, so avoid legal issues by knowing which Iowa labor laws apply to your employees.

Iowa employment law requires you meet certain standards such as minimum wages paid, adhering to appropriate child labor laws and ensuring under age employees have an appropriate work permit. In addition to the basics, Iowa work laws also have rules in place to govern non-English speaking employees as well as standards for safety in the work place. Investigate the Iowa labor law that applies to your business, so you can:

1. Meet minimum wages according to state labor laws in Iowa.

2. Adhere to child labor laws and laws governing work permits.

3. Utilize the expertise of Iowa labor law lawyers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Set appropriate wages to comply with Iowa work laws

Setting appropriate wages will help you locate and keep the best employees on your payroll. The starting point for wages is often determined by the minimum wage laws. Iowa labor law does set a minimum wage for every employee regardless of the experience or age of the employee. You can always choose to pay more than the minimum wage, but you must adhere to at least the minimum wage.

I recommend: Iowa Workforce Development offers employees the ability to review and understand Iowa employment laws with regard to minimum wage as well as the opportunity to download the newest minimum wage posters to be displayed in your place of business. Download a history of Iowa's minimum wage, plus updates on its economic benefits, from the Iowa Policy Project.

Get appropriate work permits according to the Iowa labor law

Iowa labor laws mandate that anyone aged 14 or 15 who wishes to work must have a work permit and must only work the positions and hours regulated by the child labor laws in place. The total number of hours worked each week is regulated, as are the specific hours worked each day to ensure that children are not abused or are working in dangerous and unhealthy situations.

I recommend: Iowa Workforce development has a comprehensive guide to help you understand how labor law Iowa applies to teen workers. The University of Iowa also has gathered the pertinent information you need to safely and legally employ Iowa's youth.

Talk to lawyers who specialize in Iowa labor law

There may be times when you need to talk to an attorney who is well versed in Iowa labor and employment laws. Search for law offices who have built a practice dedicated to the ever changing landscape of employment law in IA or look for firms who have attorneys in the practice who specialize in labor laws in Iowa.

I recommend: Whitfield & Eddy P.L.C. is a law office dedicated to helping businesses better understand Iowa labor and employment laws. Wasker, Dorr, Wimmer & Marcouiller, P.C. is not as labor-focused in their practice, but they do have staff attorneys who specialize in labor law, Iowa.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember to research Iowa labor laws with regard to worker's compensation for employees who suffer injury while performing their job duties.