A proposal that would have let employees opt out of union-shop workplaces--potentially boosting Colorado as a draw for new employers--was shot down Monday by the Senate State, Veterans, & Military Affairs committee on a party-line vote.

SB 56 would have made it illegal for any union to force employees to become a member or pay union dues without their permission.

Most of Colorado's neighbors — Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Nebraska and Texas — are "right to work" states. That means those states ban unions from forcing membership as a condition of employment.

Harvey's measure was killed 3-2 on a party line vote.

“Colorado is a great place to do business, we have been on the cutting edge of the new economy, but the business world is a very competitive environment,” said Harvey.  “Every day our state is competing for jobs, and we shouldn’t be playing politics when it comes to our economic future”. 

Right now, Colorado workers aren't required to pay union dues, but so-called "union security" language is allowed in contracts between unions and employers that can require union membership and dues or "equivalency fees" that must be paid by non-members.

“I believe in traditional American values, the free market system and the individual’s right to pursue a dream without cumbersome government interference,” Harvey said. “Our citizens should have the ability to work wherever they want without being forced into a union or have their check depressed by union dues.”