#United States #West Des Moines #UnityPoint Health #Teamsters Local 90 #Iowa Nurses

Iowa Community Rallies for UnityPoint Nurses' Rights

On September 24, 2025, a demonstration took place outside the corporate office of UnityPoint Health in West Des Moines, showing strong support for nurses who are striving to unionize under Teamsters Local 90. This event comes as nursing professionals prepare to vote on their union affiliation from October 5 to 7.

The atmosphere at the demonstration was charged, fueled by community outrage over what many residents believe to be a blatant union-busting campaign orchestrated by UnityPoint's management. Reports revealed that the health care giant, worth billions, has spent an eye-watering estimated amount of $3.7 million to $6.1 million to deter the formation of a union. This expenditure raises questions about the company’s true commitment to prioritizing not only patient care but also the welfare and safety of its nursing staff.

Various local leaders, including members and officials from Teamsters Local 90, joined the nurses at this pivotal moment. Notable figures in attendance included Iowa State Representative Jennifer Konfrst, Iowa State Senator Zach Wahls, as well as Rev. Lindsey Braun, the Senior Pastor of Urbandale United Church of Christ. Their presence underscored the community’s solidarity with health care professionals, who have faced mounting pressure during a challenging time in the medical field.

As the event unfolded, speakers passionately voiced their frustrations towards UnityPoint Health's leadership, particularly targeting CEO Scott Kizer and Nursing Director Sarah Brown for fostering an environment hostile to unionization efforts. Instead of channeling resources into enhancing nurse working conditions and patient support, UnityPoint has seemingly prioritized its financial interest and corporate image at the expense of its employees.

The call for UnityPoint to reassess its values and act as a responsible employer resonated throughout the crowd. Local community representatives emphasized the importance of the nurses' rights to organize without intimidation or coercion — a fundamental principle that ought to be upheld in any respectable work environment.

Nurse representatives articulated their hopes for a more equitable workplace where they could advocate for safer staffing levels, better resources, and a more supportive professional climate. “Our patients deserve the best care, and we need a work environment that allows us to provide that,” stated one nurse passionately addressing the crowd.

The timing of the protest is critical, as nurses prepare to cast their votes regarding union membership. The solidarity from the community and political leaders could greatly influence both the morale of the nurses and the outcome of the upcoming vote.

The team of supporters at the demonstration reiterated that the goal is not only about forming a union for the sake of organizing — it’s about fostering a culture where health care professionals are taken seriously and their voices are amplified. Across the nation, similar calls for change have been sounded in recent years, suggesting that the fight for workers' rights is gaining momentum.

As the vote date approaches, the UnityPoint nurses and their supporters remain hopeful that their efforts will culminate in significant changes, leading to a stronger, more united workforce dedicated to delivering quality health care.

This rally stands as a testament to the power of community advocacy and solidarity, reminding corporations that workers' rights are not merely a legal obligation but also a moral imperative that should be embraced by all employers in the health care sector.