In April 2008, A Better Colorado, an organization supported by businesses, successfully submitted ballot initiative that would make Colorado a right to work state.1
In response to the measure, the UFCW introduced its own series of referendums on the ballot that would increase taxes and impose new employer mandates.2 The Denver Post criticized the union claiming they “went nuclear,” and put “poison pill” amendments on the ballot.3
During intense negotiations to resolve the matter, the President of UFCW Local 7, Ernest Duran, demanded millions of dollars from the business community to take their initiatives of the ballot. The money was to be used to fight against the Right to Work amendment.4 A Denver official described the agreement as extortion.5
With two weeks before the election, the business community raised $2.6 million and pledged to continue fundraising until they met their commitment.6 Ultimately, Colorado voters rejected Amendment 47.7
The UFCW has no problem placing its interests above the economic security of an entire state. Along with attempting to sabotage the economy of Colorado, the union extorted money from business in order to withhold economically poisonous ballot initiatives.
1 Bob Mook, “Right To Work Amendment Put On Ballot,” Denver Business Journal, 4-28-08; Andy Vuong, “Labor Raises $1.58 Million Money Will Fund Ballot Initiatives,” The Denver Post, 5/2/08
2 Bob Mook, “Union Files Five Ballot Initiatives,” Denver Business Journal, 4/1/08; Steve Raabe, “Labor’s Initiatives Set Up Confrontation Worker-Friendly Proposals Meet Opposition From Business,” The Denver Post, 4/2/08
3 Editorial, “Amendment 47 Bad For Business-Labor Relations,” The Denver Post, 10/9/08
4 Andy Vuong, “Campaign 2008 Ballot Accord Not Yet Filled,” The Denver Post, 10/24/08; Joanne Kelley, “Labor Business Reach Pact,” Rocky Mountain News, 10/3/08; Andy Vuong and Greg Griffin, “Accord Weeks In The Making,” The Denver Post, 10/12/08
5 Andy Vuong, “Business, Labor Join To Defeat 3 Initiatives,” The Denver Post, 10/3/08
6 Andy Vuong, “Campaign 2008 Ballot Accord Not Yet Filled,” The Denver Post, 10/24/08
7 Andy Vuong, “Amendments 47, 49, 54 Labor Prevails In Bit To Defeat 2 Of 3 Measures,” The Denver Post, 11/5/08