Gov. Jared Polis again vetoes Colorado union-organizing bill

DENVER - Gov. Jared Polis on Friday again vetoed a pro-union bill aimed at making it easier for organized Colorado workers to negotiate with their employers.

Widely supported by Democrats in the state legislature since its predecessor was introduced in the 2025 session, House Bill 1005 would have repealed a section of Colorado law that requires labor unions to pass two elections before they can fully negotiate with employers.

But Polis refused to sign the bill into law without approval from the state's business community in 2025, and rejected the measure for a second time late Friday afternoon.

In a letter to the state House of Representatives, Polis placed blame on labor and business leaders for not working together to improve existing laws.

"This year, both sides should have dropped their ideological dogmas and worked together to benefit all of Colorado. I am dismayed that both business and labor leaders failed to do so," Polis wrote.

Labor advocacy groups castigated the governor's decision Friday afternoon.

"Once again, Governor Polis is siding with billionaire CEOs and corporate lobbyists over workers, families and the democratic will of the people," SEIU Local 105 President Stephanie Felix-Sowy said in a statement. "We look forward to working with a future governor who values democracy and workers' rights."

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 7:55 PM.