Bill Summary:

The bill prohibits a principal, which includes an employer, certain labor contractors, public employers, and entities that rely on independent contractors for a specified percentage of their workforce, from discriminating, retaliating, or taking adverse action against any worker who: Raises any concern about workplace health and safety practices or hazards related to a public health emergency to the principal, the principal's agent, other workers, a government agency, or the public if the workplace health and safety practices fail to meet guidelines established by a federal, state, or local public health agency with jurisdiction over the workplace; or Voluntarily wears at the worker's workplace the worker's own personal protective equipment, such as a mask, faceguard, or gloves. A person may seek relief for a violation of the bill by: Filing a complaint with the division of labor standards and statistics in the department of labor and employment; Bringing an action in district court, after exhausting administrative remedies; or Bringing a whistleblower action in the name of the state in district court, after exhausting administrative remedies. Appropriates $270,153 to the department of labor and employment to implement the act.

CEA Position Rationale: Currently, Colorado has very few whistleblower protections. The lack of protections leaves many workers to fend for themselves if they talk to co-workers, media, or other government agencies. In light of the COVID-19 crisis it is even more critical that all workers in the state have the ability to raise concerns and shed light on unsafe work environments without fear of adverse action. The bill includes all public employees.

Legislative Priorities: Prioritize Working Families and Union Values, Attract and Retain High Quality Educators and Improve Educator Workload

Tier: 2