DENVER – A majority of Arapahoe County Human Services employees have voted overwhelmingly to unionize as AFSCME Colorado. They became the largest unit of workers to organize under Colorado’s collective bargaining law for county workers, which took effect last year.
Human Services employees hailed their Nov. 1 vote as an historic win that will give them a seat at the table to address important issues to improve their jobs and the services they provide. Key issues include manageable workloads, fair pay, improving safety standards, and enhancing health care and job security. The new unit will include 520 Human Services workers.
“I am proud of all the people I work with and the great work we do to serve our community. Today is a win not only for us as employees but for the people we serve. Now we can work in partnership with the county in receiving the same support we strive to provide to others, and I am ready for this next chapter of collaboration,” said Heather Morgan, a social case worker.
Jordan McGinnis, a family engagement facilitator in the county for seven years, said having a union will help him and colleagues better serve their clients.
“I love my work and the people I serve. That’s why coming together in a union is so important. This is the best way for us to address high caseloads and turnover to improve client care,” said McGinnis.
Jefferson County Public Library workers became the first unit to organize with AFSCME under the collective bargaining law, joining Denver Art Museum workers who voted to unionize on the same day this spring. Arapahoe County Fleet and Facilities workers won their union election in September.
In a big year for union organizing, 1,100 workers have joined with AFSCME Colorado since January.