Employment Appeal Board Rules Against Woodbury County Supervisor for Violating Union Rights
DES MOINES, IA – In a significant win for Iowa’s public employees, the Iowa Employment Appeal Board has ruled that Matthew Ung, Chairman of the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors, violated Iowa labor law by interfering with the rights of members of AFSCME Council 61 Local 3462. This decision underscores the importance of holding public officials accountable for efforts to silence workers and disrupt the collective bargaining process.
The case stems from Ung’s August 2024 press release, in which he promised increased wages and benefits if union members dissolved their union. This blatant attempt to coerce and interfere with union members’ legally protected rights under Iowa Code 20.8 was deemed a prohibited practice under Iowa Code 20.10. The decision orders Ung to cease and desist from further violations and requires the posting of an official notice acknowledging his unlawful conduct.
“This is a resounding victory for every public employee in Iowa,” said Todd Copley, President of AFSCME Council 61. “Let this decision send a clear message: union-busting tactics and illegal coercion have no place in our state. Our members will always stand strong to defend their rights, their unions, and the public services they provide.”
The ruling comes amidst ongoing negotiations to address critical staffing shortages in the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office. Despite the Union’s good-faith efforts to secure better compensation and benefits for assistant county attorneys, Ung sought to divide workers and weaken their collective power by promising enhanced benefits only if the Union dissolved.
“This decision is a reminder that public employees’ rights are protected under Iowa law, and NO elected official is above that law,” Copley continued. “AFSCME Council 61 will always call out and confront these attacks on our members. When we stand together, no amount of coercion or intimidation can break our solidarity.”
AFSCME Council 61 represents over 40,000 public employees across Iowa who work tirelessly to serve their communities. This decision not only upholds their right to collective action but also reinforces the critical role unions play in advocating for fair treatment and stronger public services.
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In Solidarity,
Melissa Speed
Political Director
AFSCME Council 61
4320 NW 2nd Street | Des Moines, IA 50313
Office: 515-246-1517 ext#605 | Cell: 515-210-8039 | MSpeed@afscmeiowa.org
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The most important word in the language of the working class is “solidarity.”—Harry Bridges
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