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Colorado Department of Human Services

You serve others with dignity, and you deserve the same. Human services employees are on the front lines of helping Colorado's most vulnerable residents. Your state entity agreement recognizes the emotional and professional demands of this critical work.

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We're improving daily life for CDHS employees and gaining momentum.

On November 9th, 2022, our CDHS bargaining team reached a tentative agreement with the Department of Human Services for a new entity-specific agreement. In December 2022, CDHS members voted to ratify this agreement with 99.5% approval.

Agreement highlights:

  • Corrections in payroll – Sets timelines for when the state must correct pay
  • Staffing ratios – Sets standards for all 24/7 facilities and creates opportunities for the LMC to review case loads
  • Rewards and incentives – $50 for working as a "Lead" if not regularly a Lead, $50 for sitter shifts, up to $200 for salaried employees to cover shifts
  • Transfers and promotions – Gives new weight to years of service when awarding transfers and promotions
Bargaining is Here!

We’re going back to the bargaining table with CDHS to bargain for improved staff health and safety, more predictable scheduling, and a comprehensive wellness program that addresses the impacts of short staffing. 

If you're interested in joining the Contract Action Team for CDHS negotiations, click below!

Winning binding language that supports CDHS’s diverse workforce has made a huge difference for our workers. Thanks to our side agreement, every worker, from admin staff to 24/7 employees, now have clearer protections, fairer processes and recognition for the critical work we do.
Julia Anderson
COWINS steward for the Colorado Department of Human Services
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CDHS Labor Management Committee

The CDHS LMC brings together union members and management to discuss ongoing workplace issues. This committee exists because we know that the people doing the work have the best ideas for improving it.

Upcoming events

All year round, we are engaging in our union to lift up the needs of state workers. Find an upcoming event below!

How you can get involved

Not a member? Join our union.

Not a member? Join our union. When we stand together, we win better pay, fair treatment, and more respect for the vital work we do serving Colorado's most vulnerable residents.
Become a member

Become a Steward

Stewards are the backbone of our union. They know their jobs, they know their contract, and they're not afraid to say so! Become a Steward to protect your coworkers' rights in the workplace.
Become a steward

Join our Political Committee

We should be in the room when politicians make budget decisions that impact state staffing and resources. Join colleagues who are leading our work to hold our legislators accountable.
Join the committee
We Make Colorado Run Logo
We fight to make state employees' lives better—at work and at home—by winning better wages, benefits, and working conditions.