DENVER – More Colorado workers are gaining a seat at the table through AFSCME.
Workers in Arapahoe County’s Facilities and Fleet Management departments voted overwhelmingly last week to join together in a union two years after Colorado lawmakers passed a law giving county employees throughout the state the right to collectively bargain.
The 45 workers voted to form a union with AFSCME Colorado and are the second unit of workers to do so after the 2022 law. Jefferson County library workers were the first.
Last week’s vote represents a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to ensure that the voices of those who maintain and manage county facilities are heard and valued.
Workers with various roles within the departments, including maintenance staff and fleet technicians, hailed the vote as a win for workers that will enable them to address important issues, include improving safety standards, ensuring fair compensation, and enhancing job security.
“This vote for our union is a commitment to our future. It means we now have a seat at the table to address our concerns and negotiate for better wages and working conditions and improve the services we provide,” said Tommy Lujan, a custodian.
Raul Menjivar, a facility maintenance technician, called the vote a game-changer.
“It gives us the strength and unity to make real improvements in our jobs. I am excited to see what we can achieve together,” he said.
The Arapahoe County workers’ decision to unionize comes at a time of increasing interest in union representation across various sectors, reflecting a broader movement of workers exercising their power for fair treatment and a voice on the job.
Members of the newly formed union will now begin negotiating with Arapahoe County officials to establish a contract that addresses their needs and concerns.
“This is an exciting first step for us, and I hope it inspires other county workers to consider coming together for a seat at the table. The services all county employees provide are important,” said Ryan Davis, a custodian. “And our work should be recognized and valued.”
Colorado’s 2022 collective bargaining law gave tens of thousands of county workers the same rights state workers already enjoy: the fundamental right to join together in a union and bargain over the terms and conditions of their employment.
Public and private sector workers in Adams, Denver and Pueblo counties formed unions through AFSCME Colorado prior to the 2022 law.