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Iowa Employment Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Civil Rights for Iowa on
Q: My current job is denying me opportunities to advance or make more money.

Started with my current employer on 3/29/21. I am trained to do a higher-paying job however, when the opportunity comes up I am replaced with a new employee even though I have seniority. This has happened 3 times on the line that I currently work on. I decided to bid to another job to get away... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 23, 2024

It sounds like you're experiencing significant challenges at your workplace, especially with career advancement and training opportunities. This situation can be frustrating, particularly when you feel ready and capable of taking on higher-paying roles. It's important to recognize that... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for Iowa on
Q: In the state of iowa, can we remain clocked in to turn in paperwork and wash hands at the end of the shift?

I work in a factory setting job, at the end of our shift we have to take paperwork to the main office which is a few minutes from the work area, can we remain clocked in for this, and I dont think so but are we also allowed to wash up from work while clocked in as most days my hands and arms are... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for Iowa on
Q: Can you help me determine if I am a employee or a contractor i think my rights are being violated

I get paid weekly I'm expected to be there so many hours a week but yet he says I'm a contractor I don't get paid overtime but I'm not allowed to have flexible hours like a contractor would and I don't know when the deadline for the work to be done is so I can make a profit or a loss

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Civil Rights and Employment Discrimination for Iowa on
Q: Can you go sue people for workplace bullying? Like they are constantly trying to get me upset to make me feel worthless.

They will push me of saying stuff to me to make me upset and if I slightly raise voice I get accused of yelling, but they do it to me and HR told me to ignore them if they do it to me, I am not to do it to them ever again or I am fired. They lie about it they wait till boss is gone to do it. they... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 21, 2024

In the United States, there is no specific federal law that addresses workplace bullying as a standalone issue. However, if the bullying is based on your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information, it might fall under the purview of federal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Identity Theft and Employment Law for Iowa on
Q: Was told i was being laid off due to a theft investigation. I get paid salary. Am I supposed to still be getting paid.

Was told laid off in one text from employer and laid off in another text

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 18, 2024

If you have been informed that you are being laid off due to a theft investigation and you receive a salary, whether you are entitled to continued payment during the investigation depends on the specific terms outlined in your employment contract, company policies, and applicable state laws.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Iowa on
Q: Do I have a basis to sue my employer for wage theft

he has been taking my lunch breaks out of my pay without me actually taking any

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 13, 2023

In Iowa, if your employer is deducting your lunch breaks from your pay without you actually taking them, this could potentially be a case of wage theft. Employers are required to pay for all hours worked, and if they're deducting time for breaks that aren't being taken, they're... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for Iowa on
Q: If I was fired from my job are my employers and/ or coworkers allowed to tell my clients why ?

Even more upsetting is what they are claiming is a lie, My manager stated to a client I was fired for being on drugs , what should I do?

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Oct 13, 2023

In Iowa, employers are generally allowed to tell clients why they fired an employee, but there are some exceptions. If you believe that your manager defamed you by telling a client that you were fired for being on drugs, you may be able to file a lawsuit against them. You should also contact the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law and Libel & Slander for Iowa on
Q: I quit my job at dollar general, due to being overworked, overwhelmed and underpaid. Also a couple other reasons.

I have been thinking about quitting for quite a while, things that have happened the last few weeks just escalated my decision. The new manager that took over treated me so badly not to mention telling the other employees that she was going to fire me she hadn’t said a single thing to me about... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Sep 24, 2023

Quitting because you are unhappy with how you are treated by a new manager does not give rise to a cause of action. You have every right to quit for such reasons under the employment at will doctrine. Dollar General cannot successfully sue you for quitting, but you cannot sue it for you quitting... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for Iowa on
Q: What can I do to get paid, if anything.

I was tricked into doing work for a small business before they officially made me an employee. Now I'm not getting paid. I'm not sure if I can even do anything since I'm not technically an employee and don't have workers rights. I've racked up about three weeks of full-time work unpaid.

Mindi Vervaecke
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answered on Sep 25, 2023

You need to call a labor law attorney. I recommend Hedberg Law in Des Moines.

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Employment Law, Workers' Compensation and Civil Rights for Iowa on
Q: Work comp not returning phone calls? Can employees yell out private information about an employee?

Employees yelling out private information when oneself has not been informed by their employer?

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 25, 2023

If workers' comp isn't returning your calls, it's time to give 'em a nudge. They're supposed to be responsive to your concerns, so don't be shy about insisting on the attention you deserve. If they keep ignoring you, we might need to explore some legal avenues to get... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Workers' Compensation for Iowa on
Q: I was harassed, manipulated, put in a situation that caused me to work so hard my hands turned into balloons.
Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on May 24, 2023

Sorry to hear that you had this problem. Workplace injuries are covered by Worker's compensation laws and you could file a claim. You should consult with a local Worker's Compensation attorney, sometimes called Workman's Comp. I am not sure what the designation is in your locality.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation and Employment Law for Iowa on
Q: I have a torn Bicep labrum for 10 months now & being told I have to use my own points if I miss work due to pain from it

Points = my attendance for my works compensation accident.

Erik Luthens
Erik Luthens
answered on Feb 16, 2023

If your torn bicep is due to a work related injury, you need to immediately pursue a worker’s’ compensation claim. If the injury isn’t work related, you should inquire as to whether you are eligible for FMLA time.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law, Employment Law and Collections for Iowa on
Q: If some one keeps giving out your phone number knowing that they are doing it falsely, is there any grounds for a suite?

who ever had my number before keeps giving it out for every thing under the sun that they don't want to ever pay or deal with. And it has been over 10 years. Is there any thing here I can do on the legal end to stop them?

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Sep 28, 2022

You can talk to a local lawyer whether this constitutes harassment but you have to determine who is responsible for doing so. Or you can change your phone number.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Iowa on
Q: Can my employer make me pay for PTO I used?

I work in Iowa and my employer gives us 120 hours of PTO at the start of the new calendar year. They then state that we "earn" 10 hours every month.

I have used about 80 of my 120 due to medical issues keeping me from work. My employer told me if I quit today that they would: 1:... View More

Rhiannon Herbert
Rhiannon Herbert
answered on Feb 8, 2022

Your employer is permitted to make deductions from your final check, but it is not permitted to make substantial enough deductions such that your final pay falls below your state's minimum wage. For example, if you worked 30 hours per week and earned $500 on your last check, and then your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Business Law for Iowa on
Q: I’m being asked to sign a non-disparagement agreement in order to collect a severance package.

Are conversations held prior to the presentation of the agreement excluded?

Joseph B. LaRocco
Joseph B. LaRocco
answered on Nov 18, 2021

Non-Disparagement Agreements are being quite common. They are enforceable, however, if no liquidated damages are stated in the agreement it might be quite difficult for the company to prove actual damages if you breach the agreement and say something derrogatory about the company, its officers,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Iowa on
Q: Can an employer force you to drive a company vehicle when you weren't hired to drive anywhere to begin with

I have been there 11 years and now they are saying I need to run errands in a company car. I have a good driving record however I am always frightened to drive in the winter so I am curious if they can force me to do so when it wasn't part of my job before.

Rhiannon Herbert
Rhiannon Herbert
answered on Nov 16, 2021

Yes, there are no laws that prohibit your employer from changing your job duties at any time, either with or without notice. However, if driving in the winter makes you uncomfortable, it may be worth letting your employer know this and requesting to not drive on inclement weather days.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination, Employment Law and Landlord - Tenant for Iowa on
Q: If you was fired from a job can your employer or x employer call your landlord just to tell them you was fired?

They called and told landlord they fired you right after you was fired ..and they did not have any arrangement with one another about letting one another know anything about employment or living arrangement..

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Sep 22, 2021

This kind of problem is under laws that are specific to each state, and different. This could be an invasion of your privacy or public disclosure of confidential facts. You should consult with a local employment law attorney about this.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Employment Discrimination and Sexual Harassment for Iowa on
Q: can someone get fired for an affair?

with a coworker both subjects are married union job that is salary

Carrie Dyer
Carrie Dyer
answered on Jul 28, 2021

Generally, yes - there is nothing unlawful about firing an employee for having an affair with a coworker.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Iowa on
Q: What do I do if my previous employers hasn't paid the severance promised?

I took a voluntary separation package which I received confirmation that payment would be made within 20 days on Jan 12, 2021. If I'm counting right today is day 22 and I haven't received payment. What can I do? There is no phone number I can find for HR, I only have an email address and... View More

Kyle Anderson
Kyle Anderson
answered on Feb 17, 2021

This may be a breach of contract issue, but more information is needed. I would recommend reaching out to an employment law attorney in your state for a consultation.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Iowa on
Q: I live in Iowa my employer gives me a 15 and 20 minute paid break but takes a half hour out of my daily pay for a meal

break .IAM paid hourly .Is this leagal

Rhiannon Herbert
Rhiannon Herbert
answered on Sep 23, 2020

The answer to this question depends on whether you are actually able to take the half-hour lunch break in addition to your 15 and 20-minute paid breaks. Breaks of 20 minutes or less must be paid, but breaks of half and hour or longer can be unpaid, as long as you are completely relieved of any work... View More

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