HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 05/06/2025 - Memorandum from Teresa Roche re UnionizationHuman Resources
215 N. Mason Street
2nd Floor
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970-221-6535
ContactHR@fcgov.com
MEMORANDUM
Date: April 29, 2025
To: Mayor and City Councilmembers
Through: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager
From: Teresa Roche, Human Resources Executive
Subject: Unionization
In recent months, questions have arisen about the status of municipal unionization and the
landscape of public-sector union recognition processes in Colorado.
Colorado has a unique framework for public-sector unionization that has evolved significantly in
recent years. As of 2021, data suggests that out of nearly 270 local governments in Colorado,
only 16, including Adams County, Commerce City, Denver, Jefferson County, Pueblo, and
Trinidad, had collectively bargained contracts with any of their workers. Most of these collective
bargaining agreements are with unions representing police and fire employees.
Enacted in 2023, Colorado’s Protections for Public Workers Act (PROPWA) establishes rights
for employees at Colorado public hospitals, universities, public schools, special districts, and
numerous other quasi-governmental entities. PROPWA allows municipal employees to unionize
but does not require a municipality to recognize and/or bargain with unions.
While comprehensive data on specific municipalities with union recognition processes is limited,
available information indicates that relatively few Colorado municipalities have established
formal processes for recognizing public employee unions. For those with unions, union
recognition in Colorado municipalities varies depending on each city’s charter, the governing
body's actions, the voters' will, the electorate's initiative, and broader state legislation.
The most common pattern is that uniformed services, police, and fire have unions. Only six of
the 12 Fort Collins collective bargaining salary market analysis cities have unions. Fort Collins
police unionized through a ballot measure in 2004.
The City of Fort Collins is dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive work environment that
prioritizes its employees' health, safety, and wellbeing. We strive to be efficient and responsible
stewards of taxpayer and ratepayer funds, ensuring that employee compensation and benefits
are competitive, meaningful, equitable, and reflective of market standards. We are committed to
providing consistent and sustainable opportunities for growth and development, recognizing the
strong connection between employee experience and customer experience, and we value open
communication and direct dialogue with our employees.
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Given the significant impact on City operations and the deep commitment to effectively
addressing employee needs and concerns through ongoing collaboration and proactive
measures, City leadership continues to believe that recognizing and negotiating with additional
unions should receive voter approval.
Docusign Envelope ID: 73CE2828-824D-4D38-BC79-07192ECE626D