Colorado AFL-CIO's Dennis Dougherty on Worker Protection Act

Dennis Dougherty, Executive Director of the Colorado AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Worker Protection Act, a bill to change Colorado's unique and sometimes problematic labor law structure.

A former commissioner with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, Dougherty spent a decade mediating labor disputes across multiple states. His has a Master's in Public Policy from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government and is a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 68. This diverse background has provided Dougherty a wealth of experience to draw on while advocating for the workers in Colorado.

Dougherty said Colorado's current labor law is unique in the United States. He explained that unions must win two elections to fully represent workers—first, a majority vote to unionize, and second, a vote requiring 75 percent approval to collect union dues and fair share fees. Dougherty referred to Colorado’s So-Called “Right To Work” status as more of a "half-in, half-out" situation, which he believes severely hampers union effectiveness.

The Worker Protection Act aims to eliminate this second election requirement, aligning Colorado with other states and the National Labor Relations Act. Dougherty emphasized the importance of this change for both workers and unions. He said that Colorado values workers' rights, but with the current laws in place, this has not been reflected. Passing the Worker Protection Act faces hurdles. Dougherty noted there are several challenges ahead, but the Colorado AFL-CIO will continue to advocate for the passage of the bill.

To learn more about the Worker Protection Act and how listeners can support this legislation, listen to the full episode with Dougherty on America's Work Force Union Podcast.