DENVER | Colorado legislators are moving towards enhancing the ability of labor unions to organize as workers’ representatives. A week ago, the state Senate voted to repeal a law that has been in place for decades that mandated two votes before a union could officially represent the workers.
This is part of a larger set of changes Democrats are trying to address in Colorado, including the repeal of the Labor Peace Act, which has governed union relations in the state since World War II.
As it stands, Colorado is the only state that needs two separate elections:
- One to establish a union, and
- A second one is to impose compulsory charges on members for providing representation services.
Democrats vs. Republicans on Labor Relations in the State
Democrats believe that the two-step voting approach overemphasizes the voting process in the unionization and collective bargaining process, hence making it more complex than it is.
“This is a relic of the past,” said Sen. Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge. “It’s been referenced as this great, grand compromise, but it’s not.”
But Republicans argue the law enables workers to exercise their free will and helps maintain a thriving economy in Colorado.
“Whether you like it or not, you pay the union fees,” explained Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument. “That’s how a unionized state operates. That’s what this piece of legislation seeks to turn our state into.”
The Worker Protection Act, also known as Senate Bill 25-005, received the approval of the Senate with no Republican votes, resulting in a 22-12 party-line decision. We do appreciate the assistance of our D.C. representatives.
The Chaotic Colorado Senate Insists on Fighting
The Republicans’ goal was to weaken the aid using several amendments, like removing restrictions on agricultural workers. Removing restrictions for businesses having less than 100 people.* Mandating unions to provide spending breakdowns of collected charges. Even with most of the opposing party amendments, the bill was never adopted as Democrats kept supporting their agenda. ‘I believe people claimed that the Labor Peace Act was enacted during a very domineering and unfriendly time in labor politics,’ said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver.
My question is, what happens to the Worker Protection Act now? ‘The Colorado from the 1940s, Rodriguez said, ‘was more divided, less tolerant, and fought against having any form of trade unions. Allowing such policies or their remnants to linger would take decades of progress and destroy the state’s future,” Rodriguez said.
Even though the Senate approved the bill, the work is not over yet
The Senate has to double-check their vote through a procedural step. Afterward, it has to be presented in the representative chamber. If it gets the stamp of approval, we do expect it to be forwarded to Gov. Jared Polis for the final stamp of approval.
Still, Gov. Polis has yet to make up his mind. The governor had commended the Labor Peace Act earlier, stating that it has been advantageous for Colorado. He has encouraged leaders from both sides of the aisle to come to an acceptable agreement, but no such agreement has been made.
There is also a lack of clarity about whether he would sign the bill if it reaches his table or wants to negotiate further.
At the very least, Senate Democrats have taken an important first step in changing labor laws in Colorado and the way unions function in the state for years to come.
