Iowa Labor & Employment
Iowa’s laws governing contracts between an employer and employees. Labor unions and collective bargaining allows for negotiations to reach agreements regulating working conditions.
At-will employment
Iowa is an “at-will employment” state, meaning you or your employer can terminate your employment relationship at any time and for any reason. This means you have no expectation of continued employment. However, your employer cannot unlawfully end your employment; you have several statutorily protected exceptions to at-will employment, including whistleblower statutes, Civil Right acts, Wage Payment Collection Act, OSHA, etc. There are also public policy exceptions to at-will employment, including mandatory reporting, unemployment, workers’ compensation, and wage disputes.
Contracts
Generally, your employment contract controls your employment relationship with your employer. Under certain conditions, your employee manual may also be part of your employment contract.