A bill aimed at making it easier for workers to unionize passed a preliminary vote today in the House of Representatives.
The party-line vote clears the way for a final vote on the bill, scheduled for Monday.
The bill’s sponsor, Michael Garcia, D-Aurora, said the bill allows workers and employers to negotiate a union contract without interference from the state.
“Labor unions look out for the best interests of working men and women,” said Garcia, pointing out that unions helped set the 40-hour work week, sick pay and improved worker safety. “That’s a good thing.”
The Democrat-backed bill would change existing law that requires employees to vote twice, with the second vote needing a 75 percent majority, before workers could negotiate a “closed shop” agreement with their employer.
If passed, the bill would require just one vote, and a simple majority, before talks can begin about forming a closed shop. A closed shop requires that all employees must be union members and pay dues – or lose their jobs.
One opponent, David Balmer, R-Centennial, said the bill would hurt Colorado’s economy and discourage companies from relocating to the state. He said it also opens the door for a relatively small percentage of a workforce to force other workers to union unions against their will.
“For the future of economic development in Colorado, this is a critical vote,” said Balmer, following the more than one hour debate on the House floor. “I’m hopeful that some pro-business Democrats will look at this again over the weekend.”
Some business groups, including the Colorado Competitive Council, oppose the bill. The Colorado AFL-CIO supports it.
Staff writer Will Shanley can be reached at 303-954-1260 or wshanley@denverpost.com
