Labor bills heat up in Colorado Senate

Labor proposals to change union rules in Colorado are up for debate in a Colorado Senate committee, which could test Democratic solidarity less than two weeks after the party took over complete control of the Legislature.

One measure would make Colorado a so-called “Right To Work” state. The other proposal would require local governments to allow collective bargaining by professional firefighters, even if local ordinances prohibit it.

Both bills face a first hearing Wednesday. If approved, they’d still have to face the entire Senate and then the House.