Anti-union advocates are beginning to circulate petitions to get a “right to work” initiative on the November ballot in Colorado.
Organizers have until the middle of April to submit about 76,000 valid signatures to put the measure up for a vote.
The initiative would prohibit workers from being forced to become union members or pay union dues.
Advocates say the measure would help Colorado businesses remain competitive with 22 other states in the nation that have similar laws.
Critics say the law would let “free- rider” nonunion workers enjoy benefits paid by dues-paying members.
Political consultant Rob Fairbank, an organizer of the ballot campaign, said the movement has gained support in the business community since November, when Gov. Bill Ritter signed an executive order that gives collective-bargaining rights to state government employees.
Fairbank declined to identify any of the supporters or how much money has been raised.
Analysts have estimated that to acquire enough signatures, supporters will need to spend about $280,000, much of it to hire people to circulate petitions.
Tom Clark, executive vice president of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corp., said his research shows that “right to work” states have higher rates of job creation but lower wages than in mandatory-union states.
He said his group has not yet taken a position on the ballot measure.
Steve Raabe: 303-954-1948 or sraabe@denverpost.com
