Changes to collective bargaining measure delays proposal

A measure extending collective bargaining rights to thousands of city employees was delayed Monday after changes were made to the proposal's language.

The big picture: Denver City Council members amended a measure they're seeking to place on the November ballot that, if approved by voters, would change the city charter to allow most city staff to collectively bargain for wages and other benefits.

Why it matters: Approving the measure would give more city staff more ability to negotiate pay, benefits and working conditions.

Between the lines: Supporters say allowing workers to form unions benefits low-wage staff while making wages and benefits more equitable for women and people of color.

Context: The five amendments on Monday did not change the proposal's primary intent.

• Tweaks included adding rules over binding arbitration and striking, setting rules about bargaining units for executive branch employees, and setting its effective start date to January 2026.

State of play: Only Denver police, firefighters and sheriffs, about 3,500 total employees, currently enjoy collective bargaining rights. Some city staff are union members without such rights.

By the numbers: The measure would give up to 8,300 employees the power to negotiate contracts with the city, according to Human Resources Office spokesperson Tyson Martens.

• However, that total number could be as high as 11,900 employees if on-call staff are included.

The intrigue: Denver Public Library Workers United, a union representing library staff, is gathering signatures to place a similar collective bargaining measure before voters this fall.

• A union member told us organizers are taking a "wait and see" approach to the council's own bill before deciding how to move forward.

What's next: The latest changes were significant enough that the bill had to be republished, meaning a final vote to add the measure to November's ballot will happen next Monday.

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