Denver City Workers Celebrate Historic Victory as City Council Approves Strong Collective Bargaining Ordinance

DENVER — Denver city employees are celebrating a victory this evening after the Denver City Council passed an ordinance implementing collective bargaining for City employees. The ordinance implements Measure 2U, a ballot measure passed by city voters last year by a wide margin. Now, come January 1st of 2026, city workers will officially have the right to form a union. 

Throughout the fall, workers and union leaders worked hand in hand with the city councilmembers to craft a policy that creates an environment in which every city employee can make a free and fair decision about unionizing. Significantly, the ordinance creates a fair process for employees to file unfair labor practice charges before they have union representation. In addition, the policy includes dues deductions, neutrality, release time for bargaining teams, mutually agreed to card check.

“This is a victory that Denver city workers earned,” said Mike Wallin, President of AFSCME Local 158, an AFSCME local representing city employees. “Last year, voters mandated collective bargaining, and tonight the Council delivered a policy that reflects that mandate.”  

With this ordinance now passed, Denver city employees will soon be able to officially file for a union election when the new year begins. Wallin says workers across departments are already preparing. 

“Tonight’s victory is just the beginning,” Wallin said. “Denver city workers are already organizing. In the new year, we’ll be ready to win our union elections and get across the table from city management to fight for better public services.” 

AFSCME Colorado represents thousands of public service workers from across the state. Together, our union organizes, fights for better working conditions, and advocates for exceptional public services.