Amendment 47 — Right to work
What it says it would do: Amend the state constitution to “prohibit requiring an employee to join and pay any dues or fees to a labor union as a condition of employment,” according to the 2008 State Ballot Information Booklet.
What it would effectively do: Because federal law already bans compulsory union membership, the measure would outlaw mandatory union fees.
Arguments for: It would give employees the freedom to choose whether to financially support a union. A right-to-work law gives the state a more business-friendly reputation, which could be a factor for companies when they decide to relocate or expand.
Arguments against: Right-to-work states are viewed as less worker-friendly. Workers would be allowed to reap the benefits of union representation without paying their share. Unions with fewer resources have a tougher time negotiating with management on behalf of employees.
Supporters: Golden-based CoorsTek, Associated Builders and Contractors, Colorado Automobile Dealers Association.
Opponents: Labor groups including the Teamsters, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7, Colorado AFL-CIO, and Service Employees International Union.
Amendment 49 — Paycheck Protection
What it says it would do: Would amend the state constitution to “prohibit any public employee paycheck deduction, except for deductions required by federal law, tax withholdings, court-ordered liens and garnishments” and other deductions.
What it would effectively do: Ban the automatic deduction of union dues and fees
Arguments for: Reduces the potential for conflicts of interest that can occur when elected officials permit automatic deductions of fees from government paychecks for politically active groups, such as unions. Eliminates an unnecessary government function.
Arguments against: Intrudes on the ability of public employees to make individual choices about paycheck deductions. The measure is inconsistent, allowing deductions from some private organizations and not others. Eliminating this function does not save any taxpayer money.
Supporters: The Independence Institute
Opponents: Same as Amendment 47.
Amendment 54 — Restrictions on campaign contributions
What it says it would do: Would amend the state constitution to prevent campaign contribution from entities that win government contracts totaling $100,000 and are offered with fewer than three bids.
What it would effectively do: Prohibit unions that represent government workers and voter-approved utility monopolies such as Xcel Energy from contributing to political campaigns.
Arguments for: Promotes government transparency and competitive bidding for government contracts.
Arguments against: Would make it onerous for contractors and political candidates to comply with restrictions. Small towns and rural areas could be left without certain services because contractors would have to choose between accepting their contracts or participating financially in the political process.
Supporters: Colorado At Its Best, a nonprofit with undisclosed business donors
Opponents: Same as Amendment 47.
Sources: 2008 State Ballot Information Booklet and Denver Post research.
