Colorado Workers in Arapahoe County Form Union with AFSCME Support

Colorado Workers Embrace Unionization Following Legislative Change

DENVER – As unionization gains momentum across Colorado, workers in Arapahoe County's Facilities and Fleet Management departments have made a significant move by voting to join AFSCME Colorado. This collective decision follows legislation enacted two years ago that empowers county employees throughout the state to engage in collective bargaining.

The recent vote involved 45 workers who opted to form a union, marking them as the second group to do so under the 2022 law. Previously, Jefferson County library workers led the way in unionizing.

This development is a crucial milestone for employees responsible for the upkeep and management of county facilities, ensuring their voices are acknowledged. Roles within these departments, such as maintenance staff and fleet technicians, expect this unionization will tackle key issues like safety, fair pay, and 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,” expressed Tommy Lujan, a custodian.

Raul Menjivar, who works as a facility maintenance technician, described the vote as transformative. “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 remarked.

This decision by Arapahoe County workers aligns with a growing trend of interest in union representation across various sectors. This movement reflects a broader desire among workers to assert their rights for equitable treatment and a say in workplace conditions, as seen in recent national trends and a surge in union activity.

With the union now formally established, its members are poised to enter negotiations with Arapahoe County officials to secure a contract that meets their expressed needs and concerns.

Ryan Davis, another custodian, shared his enthusiasm about the future: “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, and our work should be recognized and valued.”

Colorado's 2022 collective bargaining law extended the right to unionize and negotiate employment terms to county workers, aligning their rights with those of state employees. Before the law, public and private sector workers in Adams, Denver, and Pueblo counties had already formed unions through AFSCME Colorado.