Amendment 47 -- Prohibition on Mandatory Labor Union Membership and Dues

This is commonly referred to as the Right-to-Work amendment. In the private sector membership in a labor union and payment of dues is voluntary, but members of a labor union may vote to require all employees to pay their share of the collective bargaining cost. In the public sector the collective bargaining agreement sets forth requirements for labor union membership and payment of dues. This ballot measure would prohibit requiring an employee to pay money to or join a labor union as a condition of employment. Violation could carry a fine of between $500 and $5000. (Currently the Colorado Labor Peace Act of 1943 http://www.coworkforce.com/lab/LaborPeaceAct.pdf governs labor-management relations. This amendment would considerably change those relations.)

Unwarranted CONSTITUTIONAL change -- ADDS Section 16 to Article XVIII

Recommendation: no
This is the initiative that started the union vs anti-union fight. Because of this initiative, the unions retaliated with four amendments (53, 55, 56 and 57). Twenty-two states have right-to-work laws including all of Colorado’s neighbors except New Mexico, but only four of the states have Right to Work enshrined in their constitutions. Given the massive fight over this initiative, putting this in the constitution is worrisome, to say the least. In the early 20th century unions played an important role in improving working conditions. They continue to advocate for the worker and provide a balance to management. Opponents say that unions with fewer dues-paying members and therefore fewer resources would not be as effective in representing employees’ interests.


Website for Yes side (A Better Colorado)
http://www.abettercolorado.com/

Website for No side
http://thetruthabout47.org/


Amendment 47 (Approved ballot title below)

Prohibition on Mandatory Labor Union Membership and Dues

Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning participation in a labor organization as a condition of employment, and, in connection therewith, prohibiting an employer from requiring that a person be a member and pay any moneys to a labor organization or to any other third party in lieu of payment to a labor organization and creating a misdemeanor criminal penalty for a person who violates the provisions of the section?

Yes ________________ No ________________


To see the full text of the proposed measure, click here, then click on “2008 State Ballot Information Booklet” at the top of the page.