Governor Polis Sides with Billionaires, Vetoes Worker Protection Act

Governor Jared Polis today vetoed the Worker Protection Act (SB25-005), siding with corporate lobbyists and billionaire-backed interests over Colorado’s working families. The bill would have removed an unnecessary and harmful barrier that prevents workers from forming strong unions and negotiating for better pay, benefits, and safety on the job.

“Governor Polis has chosen to protect an 80-year-old, anti-union law over the rights of working Coloradans,” said Stephanie Felix-Sowy, leader of Colorado Worker Rights United and president of SEIU Local 105. “He is now the only Democratic governor in the country defending a ‘right to work’ policy that undermines worker freedom and shields corporate power. Nurses, janitors, caregivers, and service workers across Colorado won’t forget, and we’re just getting started. Governor Polis may have caved to corporate pressure today, but workers are building a movement that he can’t veto.”

Colorado is the only state that enforces a second election requirement for union representation—forcing workers to endure additional rounds of intimidation and retaliation just to access basic union rights. The Worker Protection Act would have finally removed that outdated, undemocratic hurdle and brought Colorado in line with the rest of the country.

“This veto is a slap in the face to workers organizing for better lives,” said Ben Ullrich, a former worker at Stranahan’s Distillery, owned by the multinational Proximo Group. “Instead of standing with the people who make this state run, the governor sided with billionaires. In Colorado and across the country, we need leadership from people who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with workers, instead, our democratic Governor decided to stand with corporate interests.”

Despite the governor’s veto, Colorado’s labor movement is not backing down. The coalition behind the bill—Colorado Worker Rights United—is gearing up for renewed legislative action in 2026 and will take the fight directly to voters with a new statewide “just cause” ballot initiative.

This 2026 ballot measure would prevent employers from firing workers without a documented reason, protecting all Colorado workers from arbitrary and unjust termination. It’s a simple, commonsense policy supported by a strong majority of Coloradans—and just one of several ballot options the coalition is exploring to defend and expand worker rights.

“While this veto is a setback, it’s not the end of the road—it’s the beginning of the next phase,” said Dennis Dougherty, Executive Director of the Colorado AFL-CIO. “Working people are taking this fight directly to the ballot in 2026, where Coloradans can choose to stand with workers and finally end unjust firings and union-busting tactics. This ballot measure will be a defining moment in our fight for fairness and dignity on the job and help create a more just and sustainable Colorado for everyone.”