UnityPoint Nurses Seek Union Election Amid Safety Concerns Iowa

UnityPoint Health nurses in Des Moines are intensifying their push to unionize, citing unsafe working conditions, understaffing, and inadequate pay as critical issues affecting patient care and nurse safety. Nurses report caring for up to 12 patients each, double the typical load, which compromises the quality of care and leads to workplace assaults. Despite over 1,800 nurses signing authorization cards and political support from Democratic candidates, UnityPoint Health has refused to voluntarily recognize the union and prefers direct collaboration over union representation. The nurses, represented by Teamsters Local 90, have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to hold a union election. Their efforts include public rallies, media engagement, and calls for management to acknowledge their concerns and negotiate a fair contract. The unionization drive emphasizes that the movement is about securing safer environments and better care for patients, not just wage increases.