House Bill 19-1273 cements the right of state employees to form unions, which could represent either single departments or state workers as a whole. It also outlines a process for those organizations to negotiate enforceable contracts over wages, benefits and work conditions.
Advocates argue collective bargaining could help address low pay and chronic understaffing at state agencies. Opponents worry it would limit the power of lawmakers and taxpayers over spending, putting pressure on other areas of the budget.
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