House Bill 26-1005 expands “worker protection collective bargaining.” Hearing February 5 at 1:30 PM before Business Affairs & Labor Committee. Democrats sponsor it. Specific provisions not yet detailed in public reporting.
Based on pattern of Democrat union expansion bills, this likely forces businesses into mandatory bargaining, raises labor costs reducing employment, and reduces worker freedom to negotiate individually.
Colorado is right-to-work state. Workers can choose whether to join unions. Union expansion bills typically undermine this protection by expanding situations requiring collective bargaining regardless of worker preference.
Mandatory bargaining raises labor costs through union-negotiated wages, benefits, and work rules. Higher costs mean fewer jobs, reduced hours, or business closures. Small businesses particularly affected—they lack resources large corporations have for union negotiations.
Workers should choose whether to collectively bargain. Some workers prefer individual negotiation based on their specific skills and value. Forced unionization eliminates that choice.
Colorado already struggles with high cost of living. Increasing business costs drives up prices on goods and services. Workers pay higher prices while businesses pay higher labor costs.
Union membership has declined nationwide. Workers increasingly reject union representation, preferring direct relationships with employers. Democrats respond by forcing unionization through legislation rather than respecting worker choice.
Businesses and workers should negotiate terms voluntarily. Government shouldn’t force either side into collective bargaining structures.
With Democrat supermajorities, passage is likely. Business groups will oppose.
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