SB 18-175: Prohibit Paid Union Activity By Public Employees

The bill prohibits a public employer from entering into an employment bargain with a public employee or union to compensate a public employee or a third party for union activities or to pay the expenses of an employee or third party's participation in union activities. The prohibition applies to any employment bargain that is currently in existence or that is entered into in the future and that includes compensation to public employees or third parties for union activities or that includes payment of expenses for union activities. The bill specifies that a home rule municipality is not a public employer for purposes of the bill. The bill requires the attorney general to enforce the prohibition of an employment bargain that compensates a public employee for union activities or pays the costs of participation in union activities. Any taxpayer of the jurisdiction in which a violation of the prohibition occurs has standing in any court to bring a special action against a public employer that violates the prohibition. The bill specifies that the regulation of employment bargains is a matter of statewide concern and is not subject to further inconsistent regulation by any public employer. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)  

CEA opposed this bill because we believe that advocating for one's rights in the workplace is the right of every American, regardless of the socioeconomic status. CEA stands by allowing all workers to have the opportunity to advocate for themselves and to not lose pay when doing so.