State Workers' Union Files Branstad Complaint

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad announces his decision to endorse front-runner Mitt Romney's bid for the Republican presidential nomination during a news conference, Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at the Statehouse in Des Moines, Iowa. Branstad said at a statehouse news conference Tuesday that it�s become clear that Romney will be the party�s nominee and that it�s time for all Republicans to unite behind the former Massachusetts governor and begin focusing on the fall campaign against President Barack Obama. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Jul 10, 2012 at 4:16 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jul 11, 2012 at 9:59 PM CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A state worker's union has filed a complaint against Gov. Terry Branstad over asking workers to pay part of their health care premiums.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees filed a complaint with the Iowa Public Employee Relations Board on Tuesday

The complaint says health insurance is covered under collective bargaining laws and the governor is prohibited from approaching workers about making changes.

Branstad signed an executive order last week allowing state workers to voluntarily pay 20 percent of their premiums. He says he and the lieutenant governor will do so beginning Aug. 1.

Branstad spokesman Tim Albrecht says it's outrageous that Iowans, who pay their own health care costs, are forced to foot the bill for state workers.

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