Officials overseeing construction of a $1.8 billion fertilizer plant in southeast Iowa are defending their hiring practices amid criticism from labor leaders.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority says in a Tuesday release that Iowa Fertilizer President Shawn Rana met with labor leaders Friday.

Rana argued the company hired many local construction workers at the Wever plant site, noting a main on-site employer is an Iowa-based union contractor.

Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham organized the meeting between Rana and labor leaders, many of whom represent union workers, following a Capitol meeting where union organizers claimed plant officials were trying to hire workers outside of the region following layoffs in April.

Southeast Iowa Building and Construction Trades Council President Ryan Drew says he looks forward to continued communication with Iowa Fertilizer.