Public-sector workers in Colorado would get limited union rights under a bill recently introduced in the state Legislature.
If passed, the bill would allow public-sector workers to form a labor union, discuss their concerns about the terms and conditions of employment, and participate in the political process while off-duty and out of uniform.
The legislation would also prohibit public employers from firing, disciplining, discriminating against, coercing, intimidating or interfering with employees because they engaged in those protected activities. However, the bill does not require public employers to recognize a union or grant employees the right to strike.
If enacted, the bill would take effect Aug. 6 and apply to people who work for counties, municipalities, fire authorities, school districts, public colleges, libraries, public defender's offices, the Colorado Legislature, the University of Colorado Hospital Authority and the Denver Health and Hospital Authority. It does not cover state-run mass transportation systems.
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment would enforce the law and have rulemaking authority.
If the bill becomes law, public employers would need to update their policies and procedures and train their management to comply, said Javier Heres, an attorney with Jones & Keller in Denver. If the legislation leads to a requirement to negotiate with unions, "this could result in significant expenses for those public employers, ultimately leading...
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