s_blt_2016a_2016-02-10t14:01:08z2 Hearing Summary

Date: 02/10/2016

03:44 PM -- SB 16-070



Senator Neville introduced Senate Bill 16-070, concerning prohibiting discrimination based on labor union participation. This bill prohibits an employer from requiring employee membership in a labor organization as a condition of employment or from requiring employees to pay dues or fees to a labor organization, charity, or other third party. Standing agreements that violate these prohibitions are made void. The bill also defines all-union agreements as unfair labor practices. Violations by employers are considered unclassified misdemeanors and are subject to civil and criminal penalties of a fine up to $1,000, imprisonment in county jail for up to 90 days, or both. Civil remedies include all damages and attorney fees resulting from the violation. The attorney general or the district attorney of each judicial district is responsible for investigating complaints and taking actions to enforce the statute. Federal employers and employees, as well as those covered by the Railway Labor Act, are exempt from the bill. Senator Neville provided two handouts to the committee (Attachments B and C).



160210 AttachB.pdf160210 AttachC.pdf



03:48 PM -- Ray Hogler, AFL-CIO, spoke in opposition to the bill. He responded to questions from the committee.



03:57 PM -- Steve Clapham, Colorado Professional Firefighters, spoke in opposition to the bill.



03:58 PM -- Jeff Cotton, Pipefitters Local Union 208, spoke in opposition to the bill.



04:01 PM -- John Soper, representing himself, spoke in opposition to the bill. He responded to comments from the committee.



04:04 PM -- Jake Peneton, Pipefitters Local Union 208, spoke in opposition to the bill.



04:07 PM -- Ed Knox, representing himself, spoke in opposition to the bill.



04:09 PM -- Luis Castillo, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 105, spoke in opposition to the bill.



04:12 PM -- Terry Sosnowski, SEIU Local 105, spoke in opposition to the bill.



04:13 PM -- Mark Latimer, Associated Builders and Contractors Rocky Mountain Chapter, spoke in support of the bill. He responded to comments from the committee.



04:24 PM -- Mike Donahue, National Federation of Independent Businesses, spoke in support of the bill.



04:33 PM



Senator Neville responded to questions from the committee.

04:46 PM



The committee adjourned.