Briefline

Whistleblower protections enacted in Colorado during the pandemic emergency for workers would be made permanent under proposed legislation announced by Democratic lawmakers Wednesday.

The legislation offers protection against employer retaliation for workers who speak out about workplace health and safety concerns.

“No worker should have to worry about losing their jobs or having their hours cut because they speak out about working conditions, and they have a right to a safe working place,” Democratic state Sen. Robert Rodriguez said during a virtual press conference.

Rodriguez, who lives in Denver, was one of the sponsors of House Bill 20-1415, also known as the PHEW Act, passed during the early months of COVID-19 when the spread of the coronavirus highlighted workplace hazards.

The law bars public and private employers from taking adverse action against any worker who “in good faith” raises concerns about workplace safety related to a public health emergency. It allows a whistleblower to file a complaint with the state’s Division of Labor Standards and Statistics or sue in district court. The law specifies that workers can wear their own personal protective equipment.

Speakers during the press conference noted that the law’s provisions were written specifically to respond to a public health emergency.

“But we’re here today because workers need those protections all the time,” said Nina DiSalvo, policy director for Denver-based worker advocacy group Towards...

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