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.
   

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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.

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• •  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.

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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.

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

When it comes to learning about Iowa labor and employment law for beginners, there are many resourceful places that will cover the basic statutes. These statutes encompass everything from minimum wage, to overtime laws, at what age a person may work and other rules and regulations.

Take the time to gain a basic knowledge of Iowa labors laws so that your Iowa based business will always be in compliance. Here are some resourceful links that will lead you in the right direction as you discover some of the basic tenants associated with Iowa labor law.

1. Learn about Iowa work laws by reading the state and federal department of labor websites.

2. Consult with attorneys in Iowa to learn about Iowa labor laws.

3. Educate yourself about Iowa employment law by taking a seminar or course that details Iowa labor and employment laws.

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Find out about Iowa labor law by going to websites for the Department of Labor

Each state has a Department of Labor that details the statutes, laws, rules and regulations businesses must comply with in order to properly run a business within the state. In this respect, Iowa is no different. On their Department of Labor website a business owner may learn the laws and download forms so that they remain in compliance with Iowa labor and employment law.

I recommend: Visit the website for Iowa Work Force.org for a detailed list and explanation of the Iowa work statutes and laws. Iowa Work Force.org is the official website for the Department of Labor in Iowa. Also go to the United States Department of Labor website, which also details labor and employment law by state including Iowa labor and employment law.

Set-up a consultation with an Iowa based attorney to learn about labor law in Iowa

When owning and operating a business, it is always a good idea to consult with attorneys who specialize in different facets of the law that might apply to your business. By consulting with a law firm on labor and employment law in Iowa, you will ensure that you set-up your business in a manner where it will comply with the laws, statutes, rules and regulations required by Iowa law in regard to labor and employment.

I recommend: Go to the website for Parish Law.com for additional information on labor and employment law within the state of Iowa. Also check out the law firm of Bradley and Riley PC. They are an Iowa based law firm that also specializes in consulting with businesses and representing cases that have to do with Iowa labor and employment law.

Learn about Iowa labor law by taking a class

There are many courses that cover state of Iowa employment laws that are taught so that business owners and students who hope to become business owners will understand the current Iowa working laws. Take one of these courses so that you will gain a cursory knowledge of the state labor laws for Iowa.

I recommend: Visit the website for the University of Iowa. They offer seminars and outreach classes that specialize in covering labor and employment law. Also, Creighton University offers a course in labor law and how it applies within the state of Iowa.

Attorneys must stay current on Iowa labor and employment law news and trends. This area of law can be affected by legislation and court rulings involving Iowa labor and employment law. Iowa has a variety of procedures and forms for dealing with matters of labor and employment law. Attorneys who practice labor and employment law also may wish to remain informed on what the general public thinks about changes in Iowa labor and employment law.

Information on news and trends for Iowa work laws may be grouped according to source, such as the following three categories:

1. Independent news sources on Iowa labor laws. These sources include blogs, magazines and newspapers, and generally do not rely on any particular lobby group or business. They may contain hard news, as well as varied opinions, on labor and employment law.
2. State websites. These sites are the best source of official news and trends on Iowa labor law, such as current procedures or rulings.
3. Labor and employment law attorneys. Legal professionals may be able to provide inside news and other information on labor and employment law that is not readily available elsewhere.
   

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Study independent sources of news and trends on state of Iowa employment laws

News organizations frequently report on legislative updates on Iowa labor and employment law. Individuals also may keep blogs and journals on labor law in Iowa.

I recommend: KCRG has an article on stricter labor laws being passed in Iowa, along with reader comments. Haaretz.com reports on an immigration raid in Iowa that resulted in an investigation of labor law violations.

Review state websites to get official news and other information on IA labor laws

Iowa government websites are the best places to get the latest news about Iowa labor and employment law. An Iowa website also may publish the state statutes to help attorneys stay informed on the latest legislation that relates to Iowa labor and employment law.

I recommend: Iowa Workforce Development publishes regular news releases on labor and employment laws in Iowa. The Iowa Department of Administrative Services has highlights of changes for the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Get inside news on labor law from labor lawyers in Iowa

Iowa employment law firms frequently have information on Iowa law that is not available elsewhere. These attorneys may publish newsletters or full length articles on a particular aspect of labor and employment law in Iowa.

I recommend: Iowa Employment Law Blog contains posts on employment law from an employment law attorney in Iowa. Hedberg Law provides a recent article on workers' compensation laws in Iowa.

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• •  Iowa employment laws also include protection for older workers, and the trend in these laws over time has been to protect older workers. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967 prohibits employment discrimination against employees 40 years of age or older. The ADEA was amended in 1986 and again in 1991 by the Civil Rights Act of 1991 and the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act.