Building Awareness
Building Awareness
Feel the Power at Laborers Local 177
Knowledge is Power
Building Awareness is designed to keep our members informed about the local news, policies, and elections that directly impact unions and the hardworking men and women who drive our industries forward.
From updates on legislation affecting workers’ rights to insights on community projects and local elections, this is your go-to resource for staying connected and engaged. Together, we can make informed decisions, strengthen our union, and ensure a brighter future for all.
In Session With Dylan
Dylan Gramlich • Political Director
Check this space for the latest updates on the initiatives Dylan is tracking on the local, state, and federal levels to protect your rights, your paycheck, and your benefits. Learn more about what’s on the radar and how it impacts Laborers 177 members!
May 2025
Governor Reynolds announced in April that she will NOT be running for re-election to
her position and will retire.
- 2026 will be the first time in over a decade that we will have an open governors’ race in Iowa.
- Many big-name Republicans are exploring idea of running for Governor.
- No declared Democrats to date.
Bills we are tracking during the legislative session:
HF639- Pipeline Insurance Bill.
- House passed.
- Senate amended and passed out of Commerce committee.
- 12 Senate Republicans filed amendment to include eminent domain language to bill.
- Handful of Senate Republicans have stated they will not vote for a budget until bill gets put up for debate.
SF383- PBM Bill.
- Expensive version passed Senate.
- Working in House to amend with compromise language that’s more beneficial for us.
Trump on Windmills
Attention Windmill Laborers!
Donald Trump continues to make headlines with unfounded and exaggerated claims about windmills. While it may be easy to laugh off these statements, the implications for hardworking Americans, especially those in the labor movement, are no joke.
Trump’s remarks dismisses the importance of renewable energy—an industry that has created thousands of good-paying union jobs and represents a critical part of the future for laborers. From building wind farms to maintaining infrastructure, this work isn’t just about clean energy; it’s about securing stable, long-term employment for our members.
Trump: "We don't want windmills in this country. We're putting an order on it. I've already sort of done it. We don't want windmills ... you know what else people don't like? Those massive solar fields." pic.twitter.com/LnH32Xrp2g
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 24, 2025
Fact Check
Iowa has a strong local connection to the wind industry. Companies such as Siemens Gamesa have had blade manufacturing facilities in Iowa (Fort Madison, for example), and other suppliers and manufacturers operate regionally to support the booming wind energy sector.
While some turbine parts may come from China or other countries, Iowa’s wind energy sector prioritizes local labor and materials when possible.
The expected service life of wind turbines is approximately 30 years.
Wind power is cost-effective. Land-based, utility-scale wind turbines provide one of the lowest-priced energy sources available today. Furthermore, wind energy’s cost competitiveness continues to improve with advances in the science and technology of wind energy.
https://www.energy.gov/eere/wind/advantages-and-challenges-wind-energy
At this point, there is no scientific evidence that noise resulting from offshore wind site characterization surveys could potentially cause whale deaths. There are no known links between large whale deaths and ongoing offshore wind activities.
Windmill Jobs
Building Clean Energy & Secure Retirements
Jobs That Build Futures: Windmill construction is more than a paycheck; it’s an investment in your retirement. Every hour worked contributes to your pension fund, building security for your future.
Clean Energy, Secure Benefits: Supporting renewable energy projects like windmills ensures more work opportunities, which means steady contributions to your pension—and less worry down the road.
Without These Jobs: Losing windmill work isn’t just about job loss. It’s about fewer contributions to the pension fund, which impacts the financial security of every member.
Let’s advocate for clean energy projects that not only build a better planet but also protect the benefits we’ve earned through our hard work. Together, we ensure a strong future for workers and retirees alike.
Informed & United
Stay informed. Stay empowered. Stay union strong.
Federal
Federal
Local
City of Des Moines Bid Specification Improvements
- Working to educate City Council members in Des Moines to include registered apprenticeship language in bid specs.
- Emphasizing importance of using CBAs on local projects when able.
- End goal being increased work opportunities for our membership.
State
Legislative Session 2025
- Legislative session begins Monday, January 13th, 2025 and goes until beginning of May 2025.
- Beginning 8th year of one-party control of House, Senate and Governor.
- Legislative priorities: Property tax reform, education reform, health care reform, etc.
Federal
Department of Labor Appointment
- Lori Chavez-DeRemer (Oregon-Former US Rep).
- Co-sponsored PRO Act (Protect the Right to Organize Act).
- Faces confirmation by US Senate in 2025.
