State workers choose labor representation

6,900 state employees cast ballots in the recent mail in election and 5,491 of them voted for union representation. The effect is that now some 22,500 state workers will be represented by a labor union. These unions have no right to strike and their benefits and salaries are set by the state legislative budget process. The practical effect is that this new representation will serve to provide a unified voice for state workers as they work with management on issues of training, advancement and benefits.

We're going to witness a new day in effectiveness and efficiency in our state government. The top-down management style of past administrations is being abandoned for a new partnership that will benefit not only the employees but, most importantly, the citizens of the State of Colorado.

There will be much right-wing kvetching over this vote but it's important to remember the facts. State workers are not unionized in the traditional sense, they cannot even strike. Labor is not representing these workers merely in the name of fattening up their bottom lines, in fact all union dues are completely voluntary.

As for the voter turnout, I'm sure everyone wishes that that it were higher but in a democracy a majority of those who choose to vote make the decisions for the rest. It's no different in an election for city council, the state legislature or for governor. It was a mail in ballot so participation was simple for those who wanted to have their voices heard. It's telling that so many were apparently unconcerned about the negative effects of organizing that they simply choose to abstain.

Thanks to Governor Ritter for giving state employees a choice.