Colorado law passes involving PPE, workplace

The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7 recently stated Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed a new law prohbiting companies from improperly charging workers for personal protective equipment (PPE).

Another part of the bill requires meatpacking plants with 500 or more employees to provide employees with the ability to leave the beef production floor to access bathrooms in the facility.

With the passage of the law, the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment now has more enforcement ability.

“Workers should not need to stand out on a picket line or go to the legislature to ensure their basic human dignity,” said Kim Cordova, president of UFCW Local 7. “Bathroom breaks and personal protective equipment are something every employer should provide as non-negotiable items.”

The push for legislation came after several labor disputes in Colorado over the last few months, where UFCW Local 7 has been negotiating with major beef companies.

JBS USA reached a new collective agreement with the union at its Greeley, Colo., beef plant in April after weeks of workers being on strike.