Business & Labor join in opposition against Amendments 47, 49 & 54

Press release by Colorado Businesses for Sensible Solutions
October 2nd, 2008

Leaders from Colorado’s business and labor communities announced today that they have launched a new joint campaign in opposition to three of this year’s most highly contested ballot issues. Dan Ritchie started the press conference by saying, “We all came together because there were a number of competing proposals on the ballot, all of which threatened to divide and harm the state.  Business and labor leaders put aside their own ideologies in order to develop a partnership that puts Colorado first.” The business community has joined with labor to oppose three proposals targeting unions: Right to Work (Amendment 47), Paycheck Protection (Amendment 49) and Sole Sourcing (Amendment 54).   They have pledged to raise $3 million for the campaigns against those measures.  That funding will be collected by a pro-business issues committee, which will approve the way it is spent. In response, labor has removed from the ballot the four counterproposals that they initiated: Criminal Accountability of Business Executives (Amendments 53), Just Cause Termination (Amendment 55), Mandated Health Insurance (Amendment 56) and Remedies for Injured Employees (Amendment 57).   Today is the deadline to ensure that votes on those ballot initiatives will not be counted, and the paperwork was filed with the Secretary of State this morning “Some cynics have falsely claimed that this partnership represents a ransom or a buyout, but it was neither,” Ritchie added.  “People of good faith and good conscience came together for the betterment of Colorado.” Walter Isenberg, President and CEO of Sage Hospitality, recognized “the unique balance between business and labor that exists in Colorado, which ensures a strong and supportive economic climate in which companies and workers alike can thrive.“  He went on to note, “It is critical that business and labor leaders work together whenever possible.  Today’s joint effort is monumental as they partner to move Colorado forward and protect the existing balance.” “This is a historic fight that brings labor and business together against a small group of special interests that want to silence the voices of our Colorado firefighters, teachers, nurses and police officers,” said Littleton firefighter Joel Hineman. “Because of this unprecedented attack we have decided to focus our full attention to the defeat of Amendments 47, 49 and 54 and withdraw our measures.  We know that by uniting our efforts we can defeat these amendments.” Pat Hamill, Chairman and CEO of Oakwood Homes, thanked the elected officials from both parties who helped facilitate these conversations.  “Today is about business and labor working together, but we don’t want to overlook the many political leaders who helped bring us all to the same table, including Senator Salazar, Governor Ritter, Congressman Perlmutter, Congressman Udall and Mayor Hickenlooper.” Governor Bill Ritter also spoke at today’s press conference. “I’m pleased to be part of this strong coalition of business leaders and labor leaders that have come together in the true spirit of Colorado to oppose these ballot initiatives.   Now voters must join us and say no to 47 49 and 54.”