The recent national elections sent a clear message: voters want elected officials to address economic inequalities and uplift working families. Even in traditionally conservative states like Missouri, Alaska and Nebraska, voters approved higher minimum wages and guaranteed paid sick leave, showing strong support for policies that support everyday workers over billionaires and corporations. National Democrats faced consequences for failing to prioritize such progressive economic policies.

Here in Colorado, despite our state’s recent liberal reputation — with Democrats leading the governor’s office, state Senate and House — our outdated labor laws make us one of the “reddest” blue states when it comes to workers’ rights. Colorado’s restrictive laws hinder workers from forming strong unions and negotiating fair wages and safe working conditions. With Gallup reporting more than 70% of Americans support unions, it’s time to provide the economic boost Coloradans deserve by changing our outdated labor laws.

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Currently, Colorado law imposes significant barriers for workers seeking to unionize. Corporations often retaliate against employees organizing a union, and Colorado’s requirement of two separate elections makes it even harder for workers to negotiate fair terms. In most states, workers need only one simple majority vote to form a union. In Colorado, however, a second election with a higher threshold is required even to discuss “union security” — the concept that all workers pay their fair share of representation fees, with union membership remaining optional.

This second-election rule creates an additional hurdle, giving employers an opportunity to intimidate workers. It’s hard enough to organize the first worker election because employers — and their union-busting consultants — often bully and retaliate against workers. Take Colorado’s Starbucks employees as an example: after winning union recognition, they continue to struggle for a signed agreement, with several workers fired or threatened for their organizing efforts. A recent court decision ordered the reinstatement of 40 employees fired illegally by Starbucks, highlighting the real risks workers face under Colorado’s labor rules.

States with more straightforward labor laws, requiring only one election, show stronger unions and better conditions for working people. Union workers, on average, earn more than 10% more than nonunion workers in comparable roles, and union households enjoy nearly four times the median wealth of nonunion households. These unions set industry standards that benefit all workers, union and non-union alike. Studies confirm unions do not cause businesses to fail or leave the state; unionized companies, including major corporations like General Electric, Southwest Airlines and Disney, remain highly competitive and successful.

Beyond financial benefits, union security leads to safer and better-quality services. At WellPower, a Denver mental health organization, union security has allowed staff to work collaboratively with management to improve staffing practices, resulting in better client care and lower turnover. In industries across the board, union members are empowered to advocate for safety without fear of retaliation. For example, unionized construction and hospitality workers confidently flag unsafe worksite conditions and food safety concerns, reducing health risks for the public, as seen in the recent McDonald’s E. coli outbreak. Organized workplaces drive these improvements because employees can advocate openly for the common good without fearing retribution.

Colorado can support workers by modernizing its labor laws and eliminating the second-election requirement. Lawmakers should take action now, not only to protect workers’ rights but to make it easier for them to organize. When employees have the power to negotiate, they can improve their pay and work environment, reduce the wealth gap and contribute to a safer, stronger economy. By listening to voters nationwide, Colorado can set an example, empowering workers to stand up to billionaires, put more money into working families’ pockets and build a fairer future for all.

Stephanie Felix-Sowy is a leader of Colorado Worker Rights United, a coalition of labor unions and community groups building worker power through organizing and solidarity in Colorado. She’s also president of SEIU Local 105, uniting more than 8,000 janitors, health care, airport and security workers in Colorado and the mountain west.