A major fight is brewing at the state Capitol, where unions plan to push for legislation they said would give workers “more freedom to negotiate for workplace safety and better pay” but which business groups warned would upend a system that is pivotal attracting companies and keeping Colorado economically competitive.
At issue is the Labor Peace Act’s requirement that two elections be held in order to form a union and establish “union security.” The first election must be won by a simple majority, while the second must receive at least 75% approval. Colorado is the only state with a second vote in which a supermajority is required to pass.
Several business groups said the proposed changes could unravel what has been a successful pitch to out-of-state businesses to consider relocating or expanding in Colorado.
Companies considering operating business in Colorado are drawn to its employer-friendly labor policies, said the business groups, which included the Colorado Chamber of Commerce, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Colorado Competitive Council and Colorado Concern.
In a news release, the Denver chamber said Colorado risks “losing critical opportunities for job creation and economic growth” should the proposed changes be enacted. The group said when companies evaluate whether to locate or expand their operations, they consider a state’s “right to work” status. Colorado, the business groups, said has a unique approach — a
“carefully crafted compromise that has stood the test of time, ensuring our state remains competitive with national site selectors.”
“The Labor Peace Act has been a cornerstone of Colorado’s economic success for decades,” said Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce President and CEO J.J. Ament. “To unravel this proven compromise now, while our economy is still recovering, is reckless. This isn’t just bad for businesses — it’s bad for Coloradans. Forcing employees to pay into unions increases costs for workers already struggling to make ends meet. We’re fighting for everyday Coloradans who need stability, and we’ll fight vigorously to protect the Labor Peace Act and keep Colorado competitive.”
“Union security” is an agreement between the union and the company requiring all workers, including non-union members, to pay union dues.
The proposal is supported by the Colorado Worker Rights United, a recently established affiliate of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), as well as by Senate Majority Leader Sen. Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver and Sen. Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge. According to Worker Rights United, the bill would give workers in Colorado more freedom to negotiate for workplace safety and better pay by eliminating the requirement for a second election.
“Colorado is the only state that requires a second election to achieve union security, putting up an additional obstacle for workers who want the freedom to negotiate to put more money in the pockets of working families, decrease the wealth gap and increase worker safety,” Rodriguez said at Colorado Worker Rights United’s rally on Tuesday. “Aligning Colorado’s workers’ laws with most other states requiring only one election will empower workers to stand up to level the playing field with corporate employers.”
“Colorado workers drive our economy and make our state the incredible place that it is,” said Danielson. “Every worker deserves a safe place to do their jobs, fair pay for the hard work they put in, protection from retaliation, and a seat at the table when it comes to decisions about their own jobs and workplaces. The Worker Protection Act will remove unnecessary obstacles to forming a union, and expand workers’ rights and freedoms.”
In dueling statements, the groups pushing for the changes to the labor law and business groups outlined their arguments for or against the proposal.
The unions said Coloradans are “safer when ordinary workers have the union security protection they need to stand up to employers.”
“For example,” the groups said, “we all win when union nurses feel they can speak up for patients’ care, construction workers are able to identify unsafe builds and working conditions and hospitality workers feel protected in bringing up food safety concerns, like the recent McDonald’s E. coli problems.”
Meanwhile, Colorado Chamber President and CEO Loren Furman said the proposal would “(disrupt) the balance we’ve achieved between business and labor.”
“Colorado Concern has consistently opposed any efforts to weaken our existing Labor Peace Act because its statutory framework provides the right balance to ensure a healthy relationship between business and labor in this state,” added Dave Davia, President and CEO of Colorado Concern. “Colorado’s Labor Peace Act has long provided a unique middle ground between right-to-work and union state laws for more than 70 years.”
The 2025 legislative session starts on Jan. 8.
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