University of Iowa Labor Center

04/28/2026

Last week, new and experienced worker leaders from across our region came together for an intensive week of classes on the UI campus. This was the 74th Annual Labor Short Course, a Labor Center leadership institute featuring sessions on labor law, history, public speaking, workplace safety, economic policy, coalition building, running effective meetings, and so much more. The participants brought incredible energy, ideas, curiosity, and a sense of humor to each of the sessions - it was a joy working with them! We're also grateful to the outstanding faculty, students, labor and community leaders who joined us as guest instructors, and to the Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO for co-sponsoring this proud tradition since 1952. Rwdsu Local 110 USW Local 105 UFCW Local 617 UFCW LOCAL 431 IBEW Local Union 204 ISEA AFSCME Council 61

04/21/2026

Last chance to get your tickets! The response has been outstanding, and we can't wait to celebrate with you. We have a great event planned with live music, dinner, energizing speakers, and awards.

Get your tickets now at https://laborcenter.uiowa.edu/75th-anniversary-celebration

04/15/2026

Join our 75th Anniversary Celebration! Since 1951, the Labor Center has been a trusted place where working people from all walks of life come together with faculty, students, and community leaders to learn from each other and build a brighter future. Help celebrate and sustain this vital program. Links to get tickets and donate are in the comments below!
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO Iowa Building Trades Unions

04/03/2026

Last chance to register for the 2026 Labor Short Course! Our deadline is Monday, April 6. This weeklong leadership school for current and emerging labor leaders features an exciting schedule: Workers' Legal Rights (NLRA, Iowa Workers’ Compensation, FMLA, OSHA), Labor History, Workplace Safety, Bargaining and Representation, Public Speaking and Running Meetings, Coalition Building, Internal and New Organizing, and more. This interactive program, cosponsored by the Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO will feature dozens of fantastic instructors. We look forward to seeing you there! Link to register is in the comments below.

Iowa Building Trades Unions, South Central Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, Hawkeye Area Labor Council AFL CIO, Western Iowa Labor Federation, Quad City Federation of Labor

04/02/2026

It was a joy to spend last Wednesday with delegates to the Iowa State Building and Construction Trades Council! We’re honored that our Director Paul Iversen was selected for the Building Trades Ambassador Award. Paul has dedicated nearly 40 years to serving working people through legal representation and education. All of us who have worked with him know the tireless commitment, passion, and experience he has brought to these roles. Thank you to Iowa’s building trades unions for promoting safety, training, quality construction, and family-supporting jobs in our state. And we join you in saluting Paul’s commitment to Iowa workers!

Last week the Iowa State Building & Construction Trades Council recognized Paul Iversen, Director of the University of Iowa Labor Center, with the Building Trades Ambassador Award. Each year the building trades recognize one or more individuals who have made a lasting impact on our trade unions. Brother Paul has spent decades working with unions and their members, both as a labor lawyer and educator. His work at the Labor Center brought us new apprentices and educated rank and file members on all areas of workers’ rights and safety. He has helped our union leaders be better advocates. We are beyond grateful for his many years of dedication and passion here in Iowa and wish him the very best as he retires in a few months! Thank you, Paul, for everything!

03/23/2026

Have you registered for our annual leadership school, the Labor Short course? You still have time! Whether you are an emerging labor leader or have significant experience, this week-long intensive course will give you essential skills, equipping you to lead your members. Sign up today on our website!

03/13/2026

The Iowa Women in Trades hosted a high-energy leadership summit last Saturday! Thank you for inviting the Labor Center to be a part of this exciting program. We enjoyed co-presenting a labor law workshop with Jordan Glasgow from Blake & Uhlig, P.A., reconnecting with skilled tradeswomen from across Iowa, and learning from a great lineup of speakers.

03/13/2026

What an incredible honor for the UI Labor Center to be inducted into the Dubuque Area Labor Hall of Fame as a Friend of Labor. Dubuque labor leaders have been trailblazers in developing innovative educational programs in partnership with the Labor Center, such as a Dubuque Workers Academy leadership series, a labor/community Dubuque Workers' Summit, and scores of other workers' rights classes. It was especially meaningful to be there to celebrate as our Labor Center Advisory Committee Member, Dubuque labor leader, and State Senator Tom Townsend was inducted as a member of the Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Sen. Townsend, to the family of posthumous Hall of Fame inductee Ben Duehr, and to our fellow Friend of Labor inductee Tom Flynn. Thank you to the United Labor Participation Committee for this award!

03/06/2026

We're just one week away from the graduation of our Spring 2026 Apprenticeship Readiness Course! This is an exciting Labor Center initiative that brings together Dream City, New Creations International Church, area high schools, and the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Building Trades Council in a 5-week educational program to create new paths into family-supporting careers while addressing the shortage of skilled trades professionals. The program is supported with a grant from the City of Iowa City. Here are pictures from our two days of tours to 6 Registered Apprenticeship Training Centers: Iron Workers Local 89 JATC, Cedar Rapids Electrical Training Center, Roofers Local 182 JATC, Sheet Metal Workers Local 263 JATC, Laborers Local 43 JATC, and Five Rivers Carpenters JATC. Thank you to all our incredible partners and students who make this program such a success!

02/10/2026

Think you know the steps of the construction process from start to finish? We asked our students to complete the building game, and they were up for the challenge!
Our spring 2026 Quality Pre-Apprenticeship Program is off to an amazing start 🤩

12/22/2025

Registration deadline for our Collective Bargaining program is about a week away! Sign up by December 31st!

What have past participants said about the class?

"I left feeling so empowered... the mock negotiations are great!"

"I knew very little coming into this class. Now I feel that I am prepared to start on bargaining for the coming contract."

"I really enjoyed the role playing of negotiations. Very informative and a great way to learn and go through the motions."

12/12/2025

Calling all Iowa City residents interested in a skilled construction career! Our 2026 apprenticeship readiness course is just around the corner. This course provides high school seniors or adults who want to enter registered apprenticeship programs with information, certifications, and connections that will help them find the trade that’s right for them, gain admission, and succeed. It meets Tuesday nights, Thursday nights, and Saturdays from February 5 – March 12, 2026.
Register today!