Colorado Voters Reject Two Anti-Union Amendments

A campaign by a coalition of Colorado unions, including CWA, some business groups and political leaders succeeded in defeating two deceptive anti-union ballot measures in their state Tuesday.

"Amendments 47 and 49 were contrived by wealthy special interests, including so-called 'right to work' groups, simply to block workers from having a real voice, whether in the workplace or in public policy," said Louise Caddell, CWA District 7 vice president.

Cadell said the amendments "would have harmed the labor-management environment that so many in Colorado – business, labor, our elected leaders and community groups -- are working hard to maintain. Colorado voters rightly rejected these measures."

Amendment 47 would have made Colorado the 23rd "right to work" state, allowing workers covered by collective bargaining agreements to opt out of paying dues or agency fees to support unions' resources and ability to represent workers.

Without the impediment of Amendment 49, public workers will be able to advocate for issues affecting their jobs and communities. "Coloradoans care about the economy, about health care and about bringing quality jobs to our state. Their vote rejecting these amendments shows that they don't support divisive and disruptive tactics," Caddell said.

Despite the coalition's hard work, special interests prevailed on one anti-union measure, Amendment 54. It attempts to ban political contributions by companies that win exclusive contracts with government as well as by unions that represent government workers.

The coalition expressed disappointment that Amendment 54 gained majority support, saying their opponents' campaign was based on lies, fraud and deception. From the start, backers of the amendment hid the identities and agenda of donors and lied about the initiative's intent and effect.