Dave Leshtz

@dleshtz

Dave Leshtz is the editor of The Prairie Progressive and a member of American Federation of Teachers Local 716.

Here in Iowa, the Fight Goes On

Here in Iowa, the Fight Goes On Here in Iowa, the Fight Goes On

In Johnson County, a record-breaking 87,012 people voted on Tuesday. Democrat Christina Bohannan beat the Republican incumbent by over 35,000 votes—just 800 shy of what she needed...

Nov 11, 2024 / Dave Leshtz

Iowa Starbucks Workers Want a Nice Hot Cup of Union Power

Iowa Starbucks Workers Want a Nice Hot Cup of Union Power Iowa Starbucks Workers Want a Nice Hot Cup of Union Power

Workers at the company’s Iowa City store are on the cusp of making some history.

May 2, 2023 / Dave Leshtz

What, Her Worry? Iowa’s Kim Reynolds Is Running a Dishonest and Nasty Campaign

What, Her Worry? Iowa’s Kim Reynolds Is Running a Dishonest and Nasty Campaign What, Her Worry? Iowa’s Kim Reynolds Is Running a Dishonest and Nasty Campaign

But the Republican governor’s punch-down politics are no bar to reelection.

Nov 7, 2022 / Dave Leshtz

A man walks past a shop window with the REI logo on it,

Talking Union at Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) Talking Union at Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI)

The outdoors equipment company says it believes “in putting purpose before profits.” So why is the CEO trying to keep employees from joining a union?

Feb 28, 2022 / Dave Leshtz

John Deere Strike

John Deere Workers Remain on Strike and Reject Two-Tier Pay John Deere Workers Remain on Strike and Reject Two-Tier Pay

Though the company offered raises and concession on health care and retirement, the union is standing firm. And so far, the public is behind them.

Nov 11, 2021 / Dave Leshtz

UAW John Deere Strike

On the John Deere Picket Line in Iowa With UAW Local 281 On the John Deere Picket Line in Iowa With UAW Local 281

With $1.6 billion in profits just in the third quarter of this year, the company has ample time and money to squeeze striking workers—unless national unions step up their support.

Oct 20, 2021 / Column / Dave Leshtz

Do Black Lives Matter in Iowa?

Do Black Lives Matter in Iowa? Do Black Lives Matter in Iowa?

The state’s population is 90 percent white. Its three branches of government are controlled by Republicans. If change can happen here, it can happen anywhere.

Jun 22, 2020 / Dave Leshtz

A precinct chair holds up his phone showing the Iowa caucus app

Don’t Count Out Iowa Just Yet Don’t Count Out Iowa Just Yet

The Iowa caucus has had a target on its back for decades. But like a vampire, it will be hard to kill. Here are some reasons why.

Feb 6, 2020 / Dave Leshtz

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