Boulder County Employees Unite: A New Era of Collective Bargaining Begins
Table of Contents
- 1. Boulder County Employees Unite: A New Era of Collective Bargaining Begins
- 2. A Long Road to Unionization
- 3. addressing Challenges and inequities
- 4. Looking Ahead: Bargaining for a Better future
- 5. What do you foresee as the biggest challenges the BCEU will face during negotiations with Boulder county leadership?
In a historic move, hundreds of Boulder County workers have officially formed the Boulder County Employees Union (BCEU), marking a meaningful step forward for labor rights in Colorado. The union,which will be affiliated with the Communications Workers of america,represents over 1,400 employees,making it the largest new collective bargaining group in the state in over a decade.
The decision to unionize came after a decisive vote, with 442 employees voting in favor and 221 against. This milestone follows years of grassroots organizing and advocacy by workers across nearly all county departments. “this has been years in the making, and we’re so proud of what we’ve accomplished,” said Brianna Barber, a county employee and union leader. “We’re excited to begin bargaining with county leadership to improve working conditions and support the vital services we provide to our community.”
A Long Road to Unionization
The push for unionization gained momentum after the passage of a 2022 state law that expanded collective bargaining rights for public employees. Though, the desire for a unified voice among workers had been brewing long before the legislation. Melany Niemann, a communication specialist with Boulder County Public Health and a member of the union organizing committee, noted that employees had been advocating for better pay, improved working conditions, and a healthier work-life balance for years.
“There needs to be a stronger voice at the table that is representative of (these employees’) needs,” said Alberto de los Rios,a bilingual community health specialist and organizing committee member.“The unionizing effort was a collective decision among people who have the passion and who love public service. They wanted to come together, celebrate the things that they love about their workplace and also advocate for a better quality of employment.”
addressing Challenges and inequities
One of the driving forces behind the unionization effort was the need to address systemic issues, such as high turnover rates and inequitable compensation. Niemann highlighted the “enormous” turnover in the Public Health department as the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced the department to rely heavily on temporary workers. “That’s been realy exhausting. I think turnover (is) expensive financially, but it also takes a toll when your team is constantly training new people,” she explained.
Additionally, many employees with bilingual responsibilities feel undervalued. Niemann pointed out that these workers often receive only a 5% pay increase for their bilingual skills, which she described as “not enough” to compensate for the extra workload. “Many of us meet with Spanish-speaking clients and then have to document those interactions in English. It’s a lot of extra effort that isn’t fully recognized,” she said.
Looking Ahead: Bargaining for a Better future
With the union now officially recognized, BCEU will begin negotiations with boulder County commissioners to address these concerns and advocate for meaningful changes. While some departments, such as the County Attorney’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, and Sheriff’s Office, will not be included in the union due to existing affiliations, the BCEU represents a significant majority of county employees.
As the union prepares for its first round of bargaining,optimism remains high. “It’s not going to be a landslide, but we’re going to win,” Niemann confidently predicted ahead of the vote. Her words proved prophetic,as the union’s formation marks a new chapter for Boulder County workers,one defined by solidarity,advocacy,and a shared commitment to improving their workplaces and communities.
What do you foresee as the biggest challenges the BCEU will face during negotiations with Boulder county leadership?
interview with Brianna Barber: A New Era of Collective Bargaining in Boulder County
By Archyde News
Archyde: Thank you for joining us today, Brianna. As a leader in the newly formed Boulder County Employees Union (BCEU), you’ve been at the forefront of this historic movement. Can you tell us about the journey that led to this moment?
Brianna Barber: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. This has been a long and challenging journey, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. For years, workers across Boulder County have been advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and a stronger voice in the decisions that affect our daily lives. The formation of the BCEU is the culmination of years of grassroots organizing, collaboration, and determination.
Archyde: The vote to unionize was decisive, with 442 employees voting in favor and 221 against. What do you think ultimately convinced the majority of workers to support the union?
Brianna barber: I think it came down to a shared understanding of the power of collective action. Many of us have faced similar challenges—whether it’s stagnant wages, lack of resources, or the need for better benefits. By coming together, we realized we could address these issues more effectively. The vote reflects a desire for change and a belief that we can achieve more as a united front.
Archyde: The BCEU is now the largest new collective bargaining group in Colorado in over a decade,representing over 1,400 employees.What does this mean for labor rights in the state?
Brianna Barber: This is a critically important moment not just for Boulder County but for labor rights across Colorado. It sends a powerful message that workers are ready to stand up for their rights and demand fair treatment. The BCEU’s affiliation with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) also strengthens our ability to advocate for meaningful change. We hope this inspires other workers across the state to organize and fight for their rights.
Archyde: Boulder County has a history of supporting union neutrality, with a policy dating back to 2009. How has that policy influenced the formation of the BCEU?
Brianna Barber: The county’s neutrality policy has been crucial. It created an environment where workers felt empowered to organize without fear of retaliation. The policy reflects a commitment to fairness and respect for workers’ rights, and it’s somthing we deeply appreciate. It’s a testament to the county’s leadership that they’ve upheld this policy and allowed us to move forward in a constructive way.
Archyde: what are the next steps for the BCEU?
Brianna Barber: Our immediate focus is on bargaining with county leadership to secure a fair contract that addresses the needs of our members. we’re looking to improve wages, benefits, and working conditions, as well as ensure that the vital services we provide to the community are supported. Beyond that, we’re committed to building a strong, inclusive union that represents all workers and continues to advocate for positive change.
Archyde: what message would you like to share with other workers who may be considering unionizing?
Brianna Barber: My message is simple: You are not alone. Organizing can be daunting,but the power of collective action is transformative. When workers come together, we can achieve incredible things. The BCEU is proof of that.If you’re considering unionizing, reach out to organizations like the CWA or other labor groups for support. Your voice matters, and together, we can build a better future for all workers.
archyde: Thank you, Brianna, for sharing your insights and for your leadership in this historic effort.We look forward to seeing the positive impact the BCEU will have on Boulder County and beyond.
Brianna Barber: Thank you. We’re just getting started, and we’re excited for what’s to come.
End of Interview
this interview was conducted by Archyde News as part of our ongoing coverage of labor rights and workplace organizing. For more updates on the Boulder County Employees Union and other labor movements, stay tuned to Archyde.
