A proposed constitutional amendment in Colorado that would transition the state to a right-to-work status has passed a key hurdle, clearing the Title Board and moving one step closer to being on the 2026 ballot. The amendment, led by activist Jon Caldara, aims to prohibit workplaces from requiring union membership or dues as a condition of employment. Business owners fear the impact on the economy if the amendment is passed, while workers see it as a way to strengthen workplace protections and potentially lead to higher wages.
In response to the proposed amendment, Democrats in the Colorado General Assembly have introduced a bill to repeal the second election requirement for forming a union, making Colorado a right-to-organize state. The bill has already passed through the Senate on a party-line vote, but Governor Jared Polis has made it clear he will not sign it without support from both business and labor communities.
While discussions between labor and business leaders have not led to a compromise, labor activists are standing firm in their goal of ensuring workers have protections and a fair path to unionize. Business leaders have offered solutions to address concerns about the second election process, but labor is not interested in compromising without eliminating the requirement altogether.
The bill will be heard by the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee on March 13. If the bill does not become law, Caldara is prepared to bring his right-to-work amendment before voters, believing it would have strong support among Coloradans. Labor activists remain hopeful that Governor Polis will support the bill and uphold the wishes of working people across the state.
Source
Photo credit denvergazette.com
