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.

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The Worker Protection Act would have finally removed that outdated, undemocratic hurdle and brought Colorado in line with the rest of the country.

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.