Workers in Colorado Win Historic Union Vote to Join CWA

Last week, over 1,400 workers in Boulder County made history, becoming the largest group to win union recognition since Colorado passed SB22-230 in 2022 granting county employees collective bargaining rights. The unit is also the largest group to join CWA District 7 in 25 years. Workers voted overwhelmingly to join Boulder County Employees Union-CWA (BCEU-CWA).

“This has been years in the making, and we’re so proud of what we’ve accomplished,” said Brianna Barber, a Boulder County employee and union leader. “We’re excited to begin bargaining with county leadership to improve working conditions and support the vital services we provide to our community.”

The vote comes as Boulder County navigates budget constraints and increasing demands for public services. Workers cited job security, high turnover, and work-life balance as key concerns. The workers also contended with several obstacles during the course of their three-year campaign, including a seven-month delay in unit determination.

The campaign succeeded with assistance and support from CWA Local 7799 organizing and CWA Local 7777 staff and local officers.

BCEU-CWA members hope to negotiate a fair and equitable contract that prioritizes wages, benefits, and working conditions. They also hope to create transparent communication channels between workers and county leadership to foster collaboration and strengthen partnerships between BCEU, the county, and the broader community.

 
Workers in Boulder County, Colo., made history last week when they voted overwhelmingly to join Boulder County Employees Union-CWA.

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This post originally appeared on cwa-union.org.