SB 22-109

Senate Bill 22-109, which has been signed into law, prohibits public employees and their unions from engaging in labor actions like strikes or work slowdowns against government employers. If a prohibited action occurs or is about to occur, the employer can ask a court for an order to stop it. The law also allows courts to punish those who don’t follow this order with penalties. This bill affects all public employees and their unions in Colorado. Since it has been signed, the law is now active and enforceable.

Official Summary

The bill prohibits every public employee and every employee organization from directly or indirectly inducing, instigating, encouraging, authorizing, ratifying, or participating in picketing, a strike, work stoppage, or work slowdown (prohibited action) against any public employer and prohibits a public employer from consenting to or condoning a prohibited action. In the event of a prohibited action by a public employee or the imminent threat of a prohibited action, the bill authorizes a public employer to seek an injunction from the district court. If the court finds that a prohibited action has occurred or unless enjoined will occur, the bill directs the court to enjoin the continuance or the commencement of the prohibited action. The bill also specifies that the court will hold a public employee or an employee organization that fails to comply with the injunction in contempt of court and specifies the punishments for public employees or employee organizations found to be in contempt of court. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)