by Tom Clark

Guest Columnist

Boulder Daily Camera

2/4/07

HB 1072 is a problem in search of a solution

      Rhetoric continues to swirl over House Bill 1072, a change to Colorado's long-standing Labor Peace Act. News articles and editorials have focused on workers' rights and the ability of unions to force so-called "closed shops"— and the business community's reaction to the impact on our economic bottom line.

      Yet, the debate has flown past a critical issue, one that economic developers face each day — Colorado's regional and national competitive standing. Colorado right now is a highly attractive place to do business. We boast one of the healthiest and most highly trained work forces in the nation. We have invested in our communities and infrastructure through Referendum C, FasTracks, SCFD, Denver International Airport and T-Rex.

      And, for the most part, we work together for economic improvement. In the DenverUnited States and abroad, have taken notice. metro region, for example, economic developers do not step on each other's toes to attract employers. We cooperate to provide the best community possible to an interested company. It's a model unlike any other in the nation. It works. And employers, across the

      That same cooperative model includes organized labor—for now. That's due in large measure to the Labor Peace Act. Colorado is unique among the 50 states in its relationship between business and labor. Under the Labor Peace Act, businesses can have union and non-union members. Both types of employees work together and with management.

      And because of this unique relationship, labor has been a part of our most important economic development efforts, including DIA, the sports stadiums and FasTracks. That cooperation most likely will fade upon implementation of House Bill 1072.

      So why does Colorado's current system really matter? House Bill 1072 is not a simple technical change, as its proponents contend. House Bill 1072 tilts the scales too far to one side. If House Bill 1072 becomes law, potential employers will rightly cast a wary eye toward Colorado.

      Colorado's neighbors — Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Nebraska and Texas — are all "right to work" states, with the exception of New Mexico. "Right to work" laws ban unions from forcing membership as a condition of employment. Obviously, that type of law is fairly attractive to an employer — large or small.

      Everyday, Colorado vigorously competes with these neighboring states, specifically Arizona and Texas, for jobs. Our inherent and hard-earned competitive advantages, such as geography, quality of life and workforce strength, far outweigh our competitors' "right to work" status.

      However, Colorado economic developers still have to address the "right to work" issue for nearly every potential employer. The response for now has been relatively simple: the Labor Peace Act. Colorado is unique. We coexist. We have since 1943, when this was put into law. And it takes that issue off the table.

      If House Bill 1072 becomes law, economic developers will have to address the "closed shop" issue. And for our audience, corporate leaders, the response will be considerably more difficult and costly. That's if we even get the chance, before ColoradoArizona or Texas. is passed over in favor of

      House Bill 1072 is a solution in search of a problem. Coloradans will much better understand the "problem" when potential employers bypass the Centennial State for our "right to work" neighbors. When this happens, this "solution" will have forced Colorado into an unnecessary and unwarranted competitive disadvantage.

Tom Clark is executive vice president of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.