Workers on the Frontlines of a Hotter Planet: 2025 Iowa Labor and Climate Conference

The UI Labor Center and the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative hosted the 2025 Labor and Climate Conference on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at the Iowa Memorial Union.

The topics of focus for this event were rising heat, public health, and worker safety. National speakers were featured.

This event was free and open to the public, with sessions and information for students and faculty; labor, environmental, and migrant worker advocacy leaders; and local elected officials. 

Event Program

9:30 AM - Keynote Address: The Worker-Led Movement for Heat Safety

Jessica Martinez, Co-Executive Director, National Council on Occupational Safety and Health

10:45 - Panel 1: Heat and Climate Change: Science and Health Impacts

12:30 - Workshops: Taking Action for Heat Safety (Choose 1 of 3)

Organizing your Co-Workers for Heat Safety on the Job 
Protecting our Families: Heat Safety in Our Homes and Communities 
Advancing Policy Initiatives on Worker Heat Safety 

1:45 - Panel 2: Current Initiatives for Workplace & Community Heat Safety