Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I am proud to work for Boulder County and love my supervisor. Why should I join our union?

A. Many Boulder County employees feel the same way! Our union is a collective voice for frontline employees. We deserve to be part of an organization of us, by us, and for us – to protect what we like about our jobs what we like about our jobs and to improve what needs to be changed. There are some issues that even the best supervisor could not address on their own. For those issues, we need our own union.

Q. Who is eligible to join the Boulder County Employees Union - CWA?

A. According to the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment, “The BCEU-CWA Bargaining Unit includes all non-managerial, non-executive, and non-confidential workers of the following offices/teams (including all temporary and seasonal workers who have worked more than 90 days in the preceding 365-day period): Assessor’s Office, Clerk & Recorder’s Office, Commissioners & Chief of Staff, Community Planning & Permitting, Community Services, Coroner’s Office, County Administrator, Housing & Human Services, Information Technology, Office of Financial Management, Office of Racial Equity, Office of the County Administrator, Parks & Open Spaces, Public Health, Public Works, Sustainability, Climate Resilience, Treasurer’s Office, Boulder County Housing Authority, and Boulder County Public Health.” If you have a question about your eligibility to join our union, please email [email protected].

Q. Why did we choose to organize with CWA?

We are proud to affiliate Boulder County Employees Union with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) for many reasons::

CWA’s strong national history and culture as a worker-led, democratic union.
CWA has a demonstrated record of support for our independent Boulder County union efforts.
CWA is one of Colorado's largest public sector unions in Colorado and has a proven record in the fight for Colorado public sector workers’ rights.

Q. I cannot afford to lose my job or get in trouble at work. Will I be retaliated against for supporting the union?

A. No. Absolutely not. Colorado state law protects your right to support your union and be active in the union in your workplace

Q. How much will we pay in dues?

Dues will be 1.3% of gross pay and will not be paid until the first contract is negotiated, voted upon, and ratified by the members.
Dues will be collected monthly through payroll deductions at the time you’re paid through payroll deductions.
BCEU-CWA will keep 60% of those dues in our local treasury. Union members will democratically decide how to use those funds.
40% of those dues will go to CWA, which will help with organizing, contract negotiations, grievances, and legal support.
Paying dues enables you to become a union member, vote on, and have a say in the contracts.
Paying dues gives you a vote on our contracts and allows you to attend member meetings to advocate for myself and BC workers.
Dues help build a stronger network among employees and provide a safety net of funds to support colleagues in times of hardship. These funds belong to union members and can be used in any way agreed upon by a collective vote.

Q. I want to help grow Boulder County Employees Union - CWA. How can I help?

A. Please sign our Boulder County Employees Union/ CWA Membership card and get your co-workers to do the same. To build a strong and effective union, we need a strong union presence in every department and workgroup – and you can build a union presence in your area! We have regular organizing meetings for people who want to help lead this effort. Please contact us at [email protected] to get invited to the next meeting.

Q. What are the next steps for our union?

A. We are beginning to negotiate our first contract!

Everyone in the BCEU-CWA Bargaining Unit can nominate multiple people to be members of the Bargaining Committee. This committee will work directly with CWA and Boulder County management to negotiate our first contract. Those nominations will be accepted through Friday, Feb. 21st, at 11:59 p.m mst. Learn more at the All Unit Meeting
We will formalize dues, COLA, and wage increases in our first contract.
Only union members (people who have signed union cards) can vote on union contracts, including the first contract.
If we disagree with specific terms of the contract proposal, we can vote no and re-negotiate if the majority of the unit wants to.
We do not know when the first contract will be completed, but we hope within the next six months to a year.