Ironworkers Local 89 Political Coordinator Joe Zahorik joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed his political run for the 39th State Senate District in Iowa.
Zahorik explained how he was inspired to run for the seat. During the past six years, he served as Local 89 Political Coordinator and grew dismayed as he saw labor rights continue to be eroded in the So-Called “Right to Work” state. After recent redistricting, his home district became a part of the most union friendly district within the state. He views running for office as an opportunity to give working class people a voice in Iowa politics.
Zahorik is proud to be endorsed by the AFL-CIO, which is also providing him political coaching and campaign guidance. If elected, he wants to draft legislation to make wage theft and worker misclassification state crimes. He also wants to repeal Iowa’s So-Called “Right to Work” law, which he admitted will be no small feat, as the state has been “Right to Work” since 1947. It is a bucket wish that may take several more terms to complete, he added.
Zahorik also talked about the construction boom in Iowa, which is expected to further explode following the passage of the Federal Infrastructure bill. Local 89 is actively growing its apprenticeship program in order to keep up with the demand, he noted.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.