Arapahoe County Workers Ratify First Union Contract, Gain Key Protections

Union Milestone Achieved by Arapahoe County Workers

In a significant development for labor rights, employees in Arapahoe County, Colorado, have successfully ratified their inaugural union contract. This move officially marks their status as organized locals under AFSCME Colorado.

The new union encompasses two main sectors: the Arapahoe County Department of Human Services with over 500 employees, and the Fleet and Facilities departments, comprising 80 workers. Their organization was facilitated under a statewide law enacted in 2024 that extended collective bargaining rights to county workers across Colorado.

Starting January 1, 2026, these workers will benefit from a fair disciplinary process, a formal grievance procedure, seniority rights, and a 4% salary increase among several other enhancements.

Heather Morgan, a social case worker with the Arapahoe Department of Human Services, expressed her pride in the collective efforts, stating, “I am so proud of all the work our organizing and bargaining teams have put in over the last few years that finally got us our first contract. Having protections including a grievance process, just cause, layoff and recall protections may seem pretty basic, but they are all areas that have been a struggle throughout my time at Arapahoe County.”

Workers have long sought improvements in their working conditions, facing challenges such as a merit-based wage system that often seemed subjective and a lack of wage adjustments in line with the increasing cost of living.

The ratification of this contract signifies a turning point as employees now have a structured voice through their union, which is starting to yield positive outcomes. The workers in Arapahoe County are hopeful that this achievement will inspire other county workers in Colorado to pursue similar paths.