Today, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments related to the OSHA Vaccine Mandate and has not yet issued a decision in the case. But as required by federal regulations, Iowa Labor Commissioner Rod Roberts has submitted a notice that Iowa will not be adopting or enforcing the mandate.
“As a state plan state, the Iowa Division of Labor is charged with protecting the health and safety of those in the workplace and has the authority to enforce workplace safety and health standards for Iowa businesses,” explained Commissioner Roberts. “Iowa doesn’t have a standard requiring the Covid-19 vaccine or testing. But after closely reviewing the federal OSHA Vaccine Mandate, Iowa has determined it will not adopt the federal standard. Iowa has concluded that it is not necessary because Iowa’s existing standards are at least as effective as the federal standard change.”
In response to Commissioner Roberts’ decision, Gov. Reynolds has released the following statement:
“I applaud Commissioner Roberts’ decision,” said Gov. Reynolds. “We are going to continue to protect the freedoms and liberties of Iowans. The Biden Administration continues to ignore the constitutional rights afforded to all Americans, which our country was built on. Instead, they’d rather dictate health care decisions and eliminate personal choice, causing our businesses and employees to suffer and exacerbating our workforce shortage.”
With Commissioner Roberts’ decision, Iowa OSHA will not be enforcing the federal OSHA Vaccine Mandate. Iowa employers and their employees are not required to comply with the federal OSHA Vaccine Mandate.
Thank you Gov Reynolds!
Good Job Rob…
This a great first step! However, businesses are not required means they can still choose to follow the federal mandate correct?… To the extent of requiring vaccinations and just pay the unemployment benefits that will come from those who refuse vaccination and lose their jobs. I like how Kim is trying to defend what is right, but this doesn’t protect Iowa jobs. Unless I am missing something here, it is just another mediocre effort to keep freedom of choice alive. I don’t see how this is enough though to protect employees from losing their jobs if their employers choose to still require vaccination.