Nurses and Lawmakers Press UnityPoint to Acknowledge Teamsters Union

This week, nurses at UnityPoint Health in Des Moines, Iowa, gathered with State Senator Zach Wahls (D-43^rd District), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Iowa State Auditor and gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand. The roundtable focused on critical challenges for Iowa nurses, such as union-busting tactics, corporate greed, unsafe staffing levels, and access to care in rural communities. These talks follow the nurses' vote to join Teamsters Local 90, which remains uncertified due to employer objections.

"These workers have fought too hard to be dismissed," said Alano De La Rosa, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 90. "This week's discussions delved into the key reasons UnityPoint nurses chose to organize - safe staffing, fair wages, and improved conditions that nurses and patients alike deserve. We won't let delays deter us, and we thank Zach Wahls, Elizabeth Warren, and Rob Sand for supporting nurses and demanding the justice they merit."

In 2025, nurses at UnityPoint Health united with the Teamsters to champion safety and fair treatment for patients and staff, overcoming a multimillion-dollar anti-union effort.

"UnityPoint Health prioritizes financial gains over safe staffing, worker retention, and patient care," said Deb Henning, a registered nurse at UnityPoint Health. "We have endured exploitation of our compassion and patient dedication long enough. Meeting leaders to tackle Iowa nurses' issues is vital, but UnityPoint must act: halt the delays, recognize our union, and begin contract negotiations."

Teamsters Local 90 represents workers across various industries in Iowa.