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General Labor Union Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Laborer

Keokuk, IA

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES The laborer position is an entry level position that should progress to ... Steel Workers local union at the end of the probationary period. JOB KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS AND ...

Laborer

Keokuk, IA

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES  The laborer position is an entry level position that should progress ... Steel Workers local union at the end of the probationary period. JOB KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS AND ...

Laborer

Keokuk, IA

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES  The laborer position is an entry level position that should progress ... Steel Workers local union at the end of the probationary period. JOB KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS AND ...

Laborer

Keokuk, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

... Steel Workers local union at the end of the probationary period. JOB KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS AND ... Labor.

Track Laborer - Regional - Onawa, IA

Onawa, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Description Join a team of track laborers with a record of building and repairing railroad tracks for Union Pacific over 150 years! As a Track Laborer - Regional, you will play a vital role in the ...

Traveling Welder - Midwest

Des Moines, IA

$19 - $25.25/hr

Ability to obtain membership to local Laborers union * General knowledge of construction practices * Valid driver's license and reliable means of transportation * Ability to travel extensively (50 ...

Laborer

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

Non-Union Trade Position Description:Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction ... Qualifications: * Minimum of 1 year of general construction industry experience required or ...

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Showing results 1-20

General Labor Union information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$16

$22

How much do general labor union jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for general labor union in Iowa is $16.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects or tasks can a general labor union member expect to work on, and how does the workload typically vary?

As a member of a general labor union, you can expect to work on a wide variety of tasks ranging from construction site support, material handling, and equipment operation to site clean-up and basic repairs. The workload can fluctuate depending on the season, project deadlines, and the needs of the employer, with busier periods often requiring overtime or weekend shifts. Union members typically work in teams, collaborating closely with skilled tradespeople, supervisors, and other laborers to complete assignments safely and efficiently. This diversity in tasks provides valuable hands-on experience and can open doors to specialized training and advancement within the union.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a general laborer in a union environment, and why are they important?

A General Labor Union is an organization that represents workers from a variety of industries and job types, rather than focusing on a single trade or profession. These unions advocate for better wages, improved working conditions, and fair treatment for their members. They often negotiate with employers on behalf of their members and provide support in case of workplace disputes. Joining a general labor union gives workers a collective voice and access to resources such as legal assistance, training, and benefits.

What is the difference between General Labor Union vs Construction Laborer?

AspectGeneral Labor UnionConstruction Laborer
CredentialsMay require union membership and apprenticeship programsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentVarious industries, including construction, manufacturing, and maintenancePrimarily construction sites, building projects
Employer & Industry UsageUnionized companies across multiple sectorsConstruction companies, contractors
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for union benefits and job securityCompared for physical demands and skill level

The main difference is that a General Labor Union is an organization representing workers across various industries, advocating for workers' rights and benefits, while a Construction Laborer is an individual performing manual tasks on construction sites. The union provides support and collective bargaining, whereas the laborer is the worker executing physical tasks within the construction industry.

How do I get into a general labor union?

To join a general labor union, you typically need to be employed in a relevant industry and meet the union's membership requirements. You can contact the union directly or go through your employer, attend union meetings, and complete an application process that may include paying dues and demonstrating basic skills or experience in labor work.

What are the most commonly searched types of General Labor jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of General Labor jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for General Labor Union jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most General Labor Union job openings:

Infographic showing various General Labor Union job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,229 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Amsted Rail rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

180th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Amsted Rail-Griffin Wheel, the leading manufacturer of railroad wheels in North America, is currently seeking qualified individuals for the position of Laborer for our Keokuk foundry. PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES The laborer position is an entry level position that should progress to the other basic foundry jobs based on bidding, training and qualification. Will be responsible for learning and fulfilling the needs of the production departments in various positions. The laborer performs any combination of tasks relating to melting, casting, mold preparation, wheel preparation, moving foundry materials and facility housekeeping The position may be moved at management’s discretion until they bid to a permanent position. There is a 120 day probationary period with the opportunity to join the United Steel Workers local union at the end of the probationary period. JOB KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Must have high school diploma or equivalent. Must be available to work any of the shifts in a 24 hour operation, and permanently be placed on an off shift, work weekends and greater than 8 hours per day when needed. Possess mechanical aptitude/ability. Ability to learn Statistical Process Control Methods Express work ethic/standards, initiative, attention to detail, and safety awareness. Must maintain attendance and dependability. Must work well with others in a team atmosphere. Position involves regular bending and lifting; standing for long periods of time; pushing and pulling. Candidates must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally. Candidates should have reliable transportation, be able to pass a pre-employment respirator use exam, background check, and drug and alcohol screen. Experience working in the metals industry is a plus.

Amsted Rail is an Equal Opportunity employer.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
 To review our EEO Policies or to request assistance please go to www.amstedrail.com/careers/ and select EEO Compliance/Statements.  To learn more about us, please visit us online at www.amstedrail.com.


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About Amsted Rail

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amsted Rail is a global leader in providing innovative solutions and components for the rail industry. With a strong commitment to advancing rail technology and improving safety, Amsted Rail offers a wide range of products and services that enhance the performance and reliability of rail systems worldwide. As a trusted partner to railroads, transit systems, and freight operators, Amsted Rail specializes in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of high-quality freight car components, including bogies, couplers, wheelsets, and braking systems. Amsted cutting-edge solutions are engineered to withstand the demands of heavy-duty rail operations, improving efficiency, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing overall railcar performance.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1977