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Home Care In Holland, IA

Home Care Holland, IA

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Molengracht Canal gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Holland, IA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Holland, IA

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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“Tracey Gray helped me in the biggest way today! She saved my day and I am so thankful for her choice to help me! Thank you! #CertPrint #AlwaysBestCare”

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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care provided excellent caregivers to us. I am really happy with the care and support they provided to my father. Highly recommended to all!”

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“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank Always Best care for all the support your caregivers have provided to my mother. She was very pleased with the care she received. I confidently recommend Always Best Care to all.”

Michael H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care in Cedar Valley IA realy helps me a lot. They have Reliable Caregivers who helped me to take care of my loved one for several years. They are highly trained and managed well the daily routines and activities like bathing and dressing. Caregivers of always best care is dependable and passionate to their work. I am satisfied and so glad that I chose their service. Highly recommend whoever needs their caregiving service!”

Melanie S.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Holland, IA?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Holland, IA

Types of Elderly Care in Holland, IA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Holland, IA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Holland, IA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Centennial Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Holland, IA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant or visit The Netherlands Museum Historical Marker, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Holland, IA

Benefits of Home Care in Holland, IA

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Holland, IA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Holland, IA

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your IA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Holland, IA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Holland, IA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Holland, IA

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Holland, IA

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Holland Farms Senior Living
  • American House Senior Living Communities
  • Addington Place of Lakeside Vista
  • Resthaven Care Center
  • Freedom Village
  • Appledorn Assisted Living Center North
Home Care Holland, IA

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Holland, IA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Holland, IA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Holland, IA

Latest News in Holland, IA

This Small Town Is The "Little Holland Of America"

The state of Iowa is full of impressive things to do, despite often being overlooked in favor of more famous states. Well known for being home to some of the most mesmerizing lake towns in the U.S., this state is a favorite for nature-filled vacations. Plus, ...

The state of Iowa is full of impressive things to do, despite often being overlooked in favor of more famous states. Well known for being home to some of the most mesmerizing lake towns in the U.S., this state is a favorite for nature-filled vacations. Plus, Iowa has even been crowned the best state to retire to in the recent past!

What travelers may not be so aware of, however, is that nestled away in the heart of Iowa is a town that will make them think they have arrived in a European town without stepping foot on a plane!

Known as "Little Holland," Pella invites visitors into a world filled with traditional windmills, charming Dutch architecture, tulip fields, and time-honored traditions. Easily one of the most beautiful towns in Iowa, Pella is more than just a nod to Dutch culture; it's a living, breathing homage to the Netherlands, carefully preserved by its residents and celebrated by tourists throughout the year.

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How A Small Town In Iowa Became the "Little Holland Of America"

Pella is one of the many towns in America that look and feel like Europe, and the reason is partly due to its origins. Pella's history began in 1847 when a group of Dutch immigrants, led by Dominie (meaning "pastor") Hendrik Scholte, sought religious freedom and new lives in America.

Eventually settling in Iowa, the immigrants named their town "Pella" after a Biblical city of refuge, symbolizing their hopes for a safe community where their faith and traditions could flourish.

Scholte's leadership helped shape Pella's early infrastructure, fostering a strong, close-knit community rooted in Dutch customs. Generations of residents have worked to preserve this heritage, from the distinctive Dutch-inspired architecture to annual celebrations such as the Tulip Time festival, which helps to honor the town's founders.

Today, Pella stands proudly as a vibrant example of Dutch-American culture in the Midwest, welcoming thousands of visitors each year who come to experience its unique blend of history, tradition, and community.

Visitors are drawn to the town's historic sights, traditional bakeries, and scenic beauty, finding a rich, cultural experience that echoes that of a traditional Dutch town.

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Things To Do In Pella That Will Make Visitors Feel Like They Are In The Netherlands

Pella is a small town with a big charm, offering visitors plenty to see and do no matter what the season. Whether visitors are drawn to historic landmarks, natural landscapes, or exploring Dutch-inspired shops and bakeries, Pella invites its visitors to experience a taste of Holland in the Midwest.

Almost every small town in the Netherlands has a mill at its center and Pella is no different! A highlight of the town, and Pella's Dutch heritage, is the iconic Vermeer Windmill. The Vermeer Windmill is the tallest working grain windmill in North America, standing at an impressive 124 feet.

The windmill was built in the Netherlands, disassembled, shipped to Iowa, and re-assembled in Pella in 2002, the perfect nod to the town's agricultural past. Guided tours inside the windmill provide visitors with an insight into its unique charm and function, and a climb to the top reveals beautiful views of Pella, with tulip gardens and charming buildings stretching below.

Beyond the Vermeer Windmill, Pella's town square is filled with beautifully preserved Dutch-inspired architecture that tells the story of its 19th-century beginnings. Perhaps the best place for visitors to experience this beautiful architecture is The Pella Historical Village.

The village houses a collection of over 20 historical buildings, including the Scholte House, a replica of the former residence of the town's founder, and the Wyatt Earp House, where the legendary lawman lived as a child.

Visitors can visit both the Vermeer Windmill and the Historical Village with one ticket:

Another highlight of the town is the Klokkenspel clock tower, where visitors can enjoy the bells ringing out and eight, 4-foot mechanical figures portraying figures and moments of Pella's history several times a day!

The first Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of every May, the town of Pella blooms in full splendor during the colorful Tulip Time Festival! The celebration transforms the town into a celebration of color and culture, with thousands of tulips painting the town's sidewalks, parks, and public spaces.

The festival offers fun parades, live Dutch dancing, and traditional performances that bring Pella's heritage to life.

Festival goers can also sample some delicious, authentic Dutch street food and see the locals don their Dutch costumes, complete with wooden clogs, adding a touch of authenticity that makes the Tulip Time Festival an unforgettable experience.

Pella's central district, Molengracht Plaza, which was built to resemble a Dutch square, is home to beautiful shops and restaurants that run along the banks of its 5,700 square-foot canal. Pella's culinary scene brings Dutch tastes to the Midwest.

Jaarsma Bakery is a family-owned bakery that has been delighting customers with its delicious pastries and treats since 1898! Jaarsma is famous for its Dutch letters, a puff pastry filled with almond paste that has become a local favorite. The bakery also offers other tasty Dutch treats, from speculaas to strudel!

For a heartier, Dutch-inspired meal, visitors can dine in one of Pella's many restaurants, including Dutchfix and Butcher's Brewhuis and Deli, serving everything from Dutch-inspired burgers to tasty favorites straight from The Netherlands, such as Gouda curds and raw Herring! Exploring Pella's restaurants and bakeries offers a delicious taste of Dutch tradition, right down to the last crumb.

Pella's downtown district is also full of specialty stores where visitors can find unique Dutch souvenirs. Stores like Pella Hometown Variety offer handcrafted items, traditional Dutch wooden shoes, and pottery, while the gift shop at Jaarsma Bakery sells Dutch imports from chocolate to lace!

Pella is the proud home of 15 beautifully diverse and well-maintained parks, perfect for gazing at the beautiful tulips in the spring, taking gentle walks, or enjoying a yummy picnic after a day of exploring.

Just a ten-minute drive from the town, visitors will find Lake Red Rock, the largest lake in Iowa and a popular destination for outdoor activities such as boating, kayaking, and fishing.

In the spring and summer, Lake Red Rock is perfect for water sports, while the autumn brings breathtaking fall foliage along the shoreline.

Hiking, biking, and bird-watching are favorite activities on the trails around the lake, adding a touch of natural beauty to Pella's charm and making it a well-rounded spot for all types of travelers.

The Best Time To Visit Pella, Iowa

While Pella shines brightest during tulip time, each season brings its own appeal. Spring brings spectacular tulip blooms for visitors to gaze at and enjoy. Although the tulips line the streets, the best places for visitors to see the flowery displays are:

Summer is perfect for outdoor activities on Lake Red Rock, while in the autumn, the tulips in the town are replaced with vibrant fall foliage, which also adorns the trails at the lake, attracting photographers and nature lovers alike.

The winter brings its own charm to the town, where Pella transforms into a European-style winter wonderland with Christmas markets and festive lights. No matter the time of year, Pella makes a unique destination for every season.

In many ways, Pella, Iowa, embodies the best of Dutch-American tradition. It's a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that immigrant communities have brought to America's heartland.

A trip to Pella is not just a visit; it's an experience that brings history to life, offering vibrant traditions, charming streets, and a pride of community rooted in its ancestors' legacy. For travelers seeking a unique, Midwest destination, Pella is a place of beauty, warmth, and inspiration waiting to be explored.

What pushed through the Case-UAW contract, ending Iowa's longest strike in years?

United Auto Workers members at Case-New Holland Industrial's Burlington factory received calls and texts Monday morning, ordering them back to work beginning next week.The messages are one of the final steps to close ...

United Auto Workers members at Case-New Holland Industrial's Burlington factory received calls and texts Monday morning, ordering them back to work beginning next week.

The messages are one of the final steps to close a strike that lasted eight months, the longest-running major work stoppage in Iowa in 12 years. The union's vote Saturday to end the strike capped a hostile standoff between the UAW and the Italian-owned implement manufacturer, a fight in which union leaders say they rejected dozens offers before even taking a contract to members.

How did the strike end?

The latest proposal passed with 62% of the vote between the two groups on strike, UAW Local 807 at CNH's Burlington plant and the larger UAW Local 180 at its plant in Racine, Wisconsin.

The outcome showed a significant shift in member sentiment from the previous contract vote Jan. 7, when only 45% of strikers approved a proposal from CNH. The swing over the last two weeks came even as multiple members said the actual offer from the company barely budged.

Previously:8-month strike continues for Case New Holland workers in Iowa, Wisconsin

What changed workers' minds?

Multiple workers say they received letters from the company Jan. 17, informing them that managers would hire permanent replacements if the union didn't vote to ratify an agreement by Jan. 23.

If a company hires permanent replacements, it doesn't have to immediately re-hire every union member once the strike ends. The company merely has to place those workers on a striker recall list. The company then has to offer those workers jobs as positions become open.

More:Striking Ingredion workers in Iowa approve new contract

"If you’re at a plant where there isn’t a lot of turnover, it may be five years before any positions are opened up," said Paul Iverson, a labor law professor at the University of Iowa.

A CNH Industrial spokesperson declined to comment when the Des Moines Register sought confirmation of the permanent replacement threat. The company has operated with temporary replacements since the strike started May 2.

Why did workers hold out for so long?

Kim Alber, a paint line employee who has worked at CNH Industrial for 10 years, said many members had stuck with their opposition, despite what the company hyped as a 28% pay bump in its Jan. 7 offer, because it was offering a less generous health insurance plan to new hires.

"That's a lot of money," she said of CNH's offer. "If you just looked at it that way, if you only only looked at the money part of it, that's a good raise."

More:Iowa unemployment rate levels off in December, latest jobs report shows

But by saying on strike, workers said, they preserved their old health insurance plan.

Alber, who is a steward, financial secretary and trustee for Local 807, said that in her case, her annual deductible would have increased to $13,000 from $5,000. The pay hike offered in the early months of the strike ? about 18% over five years, she said ? would not have covered her heftier bills.

"I don't have that kind of money," she said. "Most people I know don't have $13,000."

Under the new agreement, she added, UAW members hired before Sept. 30, 2022, will continue to receive the old health insurance plan. However, she said newer hires must choose from newer, less-generous health care plans.

How did tax season play in?

While the pay CNH was offering didn't improve much from its Jan. 7 offer, 10-year company veteran Tracy Chew said workers were worried about paying looming debts to the government.

Members in Burlington were among the first to benefit from the UAW's increase in strike pay, a weekly rate that increased to $400 from $220 in June. On top of that, many workers picked up part-time jobs.

Between the two streams of income, Chew said, her family received more while out of work than they did before the strike. But there was one big problem for her: She hadn't deducted anything from strike pay for state and federal income taxes.

With the federal payment due April 18, Chew estimated that her family will owe thousands of dollars. She said she's counting on a $4,500 ratification bonus from the company to fill that gap.

"We need to get back to work," she said. "We need to get paid so that we can replace that money we're losing. It was a no-brainer for most of us."

How do CNH wages compare to other local factory jobs?

Not counting any overtime, Chew's new wage would still put her below the average manufacturing pay rate in Des Moines County, where CNH's factory is located. The average manufacturing employee in the county earned about $26.28 an hour in 2021 ? about $2.50 more than what Chew said she will earn upon returning to work.

Even so, Alber said CNH eventually would have found enough permanent replacements because workers in the region are desperate for jobs.

"Quite honestly, Case is one of the best-paying jobs in our area," Alber said. "We all kind of felt that if it started getting out that we were turning down that money, people around here that need jobs would start looking for this job. It's good money."

More:Expert: Wells Fargo cut of WDM-based mortgage business will 'come at the cost of jobs'

Craig Bowman, an 11-year employee in the shipping and receiving department, disagreed. He took a job as a forklift repairman based in Davenport during the strike, earning $28 an hour ? $4.23 more than he will get under the new contract with CNH.

Though he wants to work in Burlington so his commute is shorter, he said Monday that he was leaning toward giving up the CNH job. He said his co-workers should be making more than those working for other manufacturers in town. The company reported a $1.78 billion profit in 2021 and paid $188 million in dividends to shareholders.

"The factories down here are making small parts," Bowman said. "We’re making big, heavy machinery. And I don’t think these guys know they’re worth more."

What issues remain?

Alber said CNH's pay bump for assemblers created a point of tension among union members before Saturday's vote.

For years, she said, union leaders have unsuccessfully pushed to raise the wages of the company's welders. That effort failed again during this contract. And now, the assemblers are earning as much as the welders ? much to the welders' chagrin.

"Because, obviously, welding is harder," Alber said.

A couple dozen workers employed by staffing agencies have also been on strike, despite the fact that they are not represented by the union. The UAW gave those workers strike pay, anyway. Chew said company representatives agreed to hire back those workers as well, but the union now needs to make sure CNH follows through.

"We want to honor them," she said.

Tyler Jett covers jobs and the economy for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at [email protected], 515-284-8215, or on Twitter at @LetsJett.

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