#United States #Des Moines #UnityPoint Health #Teamsters Local 90 #nurses union

UnityPoint Nurses Stand for Their Rights

On August 20, 2025, nurses at UnityPoint Health will assemble outside the Iowa Methodist Medical Center for a pivotal press conference. Their goal is clear: they demand recognition of Teamsters Local 90 as their exclusive representative for collective bargaining. In recent years, the multibillion-dollar health care provider has allocated over $2.8 million towards anti-union efforts instead of enhancing patient safety and supporting its employees.

A Call to Action

The nurses, determined not to be silenced or intimidated, will be joined by local union leadership, community partners, and supporters. This cohort aims to present a unified front in their quest for fair labor practices and workplace improvements. UnityPoint’s expenditure on union-busting tactics signals a troubling trend that prioritizes profit over the welfare of its staff, jeopardizing both healthcare quality and worker rights.

Who Will Be Present

At the forefront of this press conference will be several key figures:

• - UnityPoint Nurses: The backbone of the healthcare system who are demanding fair representation and working conditions.
• - Alano De La Rosa from Teamsters Local 90: Advocating for the rights of workers and fostering a supportive environment for unionization.
• - Jennifer Konfrst: An Iowa State Representative who will lend her voice to this significant cause.
• - Stephanie Steiner: A Democratic candidate for Congress, representing political support for healthcare workers.
• - Frank Cordaro: From Des Moines Catholic Worker, representing community solidarity with the nurses' cause.
• - Jenny Turner: From Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, highlighting the involvement of civic organizations.

Context and Importance

The current climate in healthcare settings often ignores the needs and safety of frontline workers. By focusing on non-stop anti-union campaigns, institutions like UnityPoint create an environment filled with fear and uncertainty among staff. This press conference is more than just a formality; it is a rallying cry for nurses who wish to reclaim their rights and advocate for a working environment that values their contributions as essential healthcare providers.

Join the Movement

Those who wish to support this cause are encouraged to attend the press conference:

• - When: August 20, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• - Where: Iowa Methodist Medical Center, 1200 Pleasant St, Des Moines, IA 50309

As these nurses speak out, it becomes vital for fellow community members to stand alongside them. Together, they can push back against the corporate strategies aiming to undermine their work conditions and rights. The collective action seen at this gathering will not solely influence the current staff but can inspire future healthcare professionals to demand better for themselves and those they serve.

Conclusion

This press conference aligns with a broader movement within healthcare, highlighting the essential need for recognition, safety, and positive workplace practices. As the event approaches, it stands as a testament to the resilience and courage of nurses at UnityPoint Health, who continue to push for meaningful change amid challenging circumstances.