Longmont Daily Times-Call Editorial
1/21/07
A proposal in the Colorado Legislature that would drastically change the long-standing Labor Peace Act is a major danger sign for the future health of the state’s economic vitality and job environment.
This proposal should be defeated as soon as possible or vetoed by Gov. Bill Ritter.
House Bill 1072 would make it easier for unions to organize, and it could force workers to join unions without their consent. Some workers could lose their jobs.
This is against the independent spirit of Colorado and against the promotion of a healthy business climate that serves workers and business alike.
Under existing law, when these situations occur, it is necessary for employees to vote twice on union formation. There must be a 75 percent majority before those in favor could call for a total union environment or closed shop operation.
Under a closed shop, everybody must be union members and pay union dues or they could lose their jobs.
Colorado’s current law has roots dating to 1943. Its moderate and fair approach has been part of the reason Colorado has experienced so many good years with job growth and economic vitality.
House Bill 1072 could quickly change that by making Colorado an anti-business state. This destroys jobs, investment, tax rolls, re-location of businesses to Colorado and a healthy future for the state.
The Colorado Competitive Council, a group that works for a healthy business climate and stable, good jobs describes Colorado’s Labor Peace Act as “a unique compromise that balances the rights of workers, businesses and the minority of workers, and has been the foundation of our state’s entrepreneurial spirit.”
But if this law passes — and it is believed to be soon headed for the Senate — a small group of employees could impose a “closed shop” on everyone else. It would wipe out the language that calls for a second election on the closed shop question.
Understandably, Colorado businesses are extremely concerned about this legislation.
Compare, for example, Colorado to Michigan, a highly unionized state.
• Colorado is in first place in high tech employment; Michigan is 20th.
• Colorado is fifth highest in new companies being formed; Michigan is at No. 42.
• Colorado is eighth highest in personal income; Michigan ranks 24th.
• Colorado is 17th highest in job growth; Michigan ranks 48th.
Democrats campaigned as being pro-business or at least reasonable when it came to business and economic issues. Newly elected Gov. Ritter also told Coloradans he would be a moderate and could and would stand against extremist proposals from his own party that could harm the economy and discourage business investment in Colorado.
House Bill 1072 must be defeated or vetoed.