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DENVER, CO — The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation to update Colorado’s labor law and support workers. SB25-005, sponsored by Representative Javier Mabrey and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, passed the committee by a vote of 7-5.
“Updating Colorado's labor laws will yield stronger workplaces and make it easier for workers to negotiate for better pay, benefits and safety on the job,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “I’d like to thank everyone working on this policy for their willingness to continue conversations as this bill moves forward. The status quo is simply not working for Coloradans, as too many people are struggling to get by and make ends meet. By addressing the obstacles posed by the second election, we can establish some basic principles of fairness and workplace democracy that will make it easier for workers to form and sustain unions, and to grow the middle class in Colorado.”
“The bar to form a union is unreasonably high, and making it easier will help more Coloradans thrive and create a more level playing field between workers and employers,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Statistics show that unionized workers earn more than non-unionized workers in the same industry. This bill is about empowering workers to negotiate for the wages, benefits and workplace safety they deserve. I want to acknowledge that business leaders and labor advocates have a common goal to create a thriving Colorado economy that responds to our modern workforce needs, and I extend my gratitude for their willingness to move our state forward.”
The Worker Protection Act (SB25-005) would update the Colorado Labor Peace Act to make it easier for workers to negotiate a union security agreement clause in the collective bargaining process.
Currently, Colorado labor law requires two elections for workers seeking to form a union and collect dues: one that meets the federal standard set by the National Labor Relations Act and a second election which must be won by a supermajority approval of at least 75 percent of those who vote, or 50 percent plus one of all employees eligible to vote, whichever is greater. This process creates a uniquely high threshold for workers to achieve the right to negotiate with their employers.