NEW IOWA LEGISLATION REGARDING RECERTIFICATION ELECTIONS
July 23, 2026
NEW IOWA LEGISLATION REGARDING RECERTIFICATION ELECTIONS
Background
In 2017, Iowa enacted legislation that required re-certification elections for all public sector collective bargaining units (unions). On May 18, 2026, Senate 472 was filed which amends Iowa Code Section 20.15 and authorizes citizens in Iowa to file actions against a public employer that is in a re-certification election and fails to provide its voter list to the Employment Appeal Board (“EAB”) within 10 days of a Notice of Intent to Conduct an Election being filed.
Takeaway
- Prior to any collective bargaining unit election, the EAB needs to issue a written notice of intent to conduct an election. The public employer must submit a list of employees in the bargaining unit to the EAB within 10 days. After the 10-day period, the EAB must publish the list of public employers on its internet site with a dated notice of intent to conduct the election.
- It is now unlawful for any public employer to fail to submit a list of employees to the EAB. Within sixty days of the EAB’s initial publication, a citizen of Iowa may bring an action to compel the public employer to provide the list to the EAB. If the court determines that relief is appropriate, reasonable court costs, attorney fees, and any other relief the court deems appropriate “shall” be paid by the prevailing party as well.
- The EAB can extend the timelines as needed to allow for resolutions of the petition or any appeals. The EAB may also reschedule an election for the next election period if needed to allow for such resolution.
Questions?
For further information or questions, contact your City Attorney!
