Legislation that would make it a crime for state employees to strike put lawmakers from both parties in a tough spot Tuesday.
The measure survived an initial vote in the House despite attacks from Republicans and Democrats — for opposite reasons.
The Democrat-backed bill is fallout from Gov. Bill Ritter’s executive order creating union partnerships for state employees. Despite a no-strike clause, the governor’s order does not prevent workers from striking, according to an attorney general’s opinion.
Ritter has said he would sign the legislation, which could help smooth over his relationship with business leaders concerned that union partnerships made the state less friendly to business.
But several Democrats voted against the no-strike bill, saying they refused to make striking a crime.
And about two-thirds of the Republican caucus voted against the measure, calling it weak. But a no vote puts them on record as not supporting a strike ban during an election year.
“This bill, in my opinion, is a joke,” said Rep. Victor Mitchell, R-Castle Rock.
A GOP-backed bill that would have banned strikes for all public employees was killed in committee last week.
State representatives have one more vote on the bill, sponsored by Rep. Jim Riesberg, D-Greeley. If passed, it will go to the Senate.
Jennifer Brown: 303-954-1593 or jenbrown@
