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We’re the reason Colorado works. Join the union that works for us.

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Correctional officer standing in cell block corridor.
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Parks and wildlife cowins member in kayak with backdrop of mountains and blue sky.
Man working with tools and wearing protective gear at Colorado Department of Transportation.

We’ve joined our union because the more members we have, the stronger we are, and the more we can win for state workers and Colorado.

From nurses and snowplow drivers to corrections officers and IT specialists, we all deserve fair pay and respect for our vital work. Union dues are a small price to pay for the difference our union makes in the everyday at work and at home: they are an investment in better careers and state services.
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Hear from our members

Member Perks

We work hard serving Colorado. Union membership ensures we're treated—and paid—like the professionals we are.

Every state employee benefits from our contract wins, but we can’t win without our members. That’s why members have additional perks, including exclusive access to hundreds of dollars in additional savings and benefits.

Insurance discounts

Save hundreds on auto, home, and life insurance

Financial bonuses

Special mortgage rates, low-interest credit cards, and personal loans

Education benefits

Scholarships for you and your family, plus tuition discounts

Everyday savings

Cell phone discounts, travel deals, shopping perks, and entertainment savings

Extra protection

Supplemental health insurance, legal support, and identity theft protection
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Why we joined our union

Kaori

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I think a union is the difference between a job and a career.  I feel so much more buy-in as a part of the union, and knowing that my voice means something, and I have a say in my working conditions, means that I’m more connected to the work that I do.

Kaori Keyser, COWINS steward, Department of Transportation

Alec

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In non-union jobs, you’re on your own. When something goes wrong, you just have to take it. In a union, you’ve got people, a partnership agreement, and an organization standing with you.


Alec Villarreal, COWINS steward, Cañon Helitack, Department of Public Safety

Dana

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I reached a point where I realized that DOC’s  problems couldn’t be fixed by a few decision makers. To rebuild a collapsing building you need an army of people with tools, not just a few people with a rusty hammer. This is why I joined our union. To be part of a collective voice to create real and lasting change.


Dana Mueller, COWINS steward, Department of Corrections

David

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As a member of our 2024 Bargaining committee, I saw first hand the value and necessity of union representation. Without it we would not have gained the benefits that were negotiated for the coming years. Being dues-paying and active members means we're contributing to the fight we all benefit from.

David Thurlkill, COWINS steward, Department of Early Childhood Education

Rayna

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Being active in my union means I get to meet state employees from different job classes and departments, learn their stories, then represent their values and goals. Sometimes trying to make change at work can feel like screaming into the void. Being a union member, a steward, and now a leader means I can lift up voices that may not otherwise be heard.

Rayna Moreschini, COWINS steward, Department of Corrections

Jehnie

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The contract we ratified in 2024 means my team and I are finally eligible for equitable compensation when we are required to work on-call shifts. We finally get to say goodbye to secret, under the table, and inequitable on-call arrangements.


Jehnie Cutts, COWINS steward, Department of Human Services

When we come together in our union, we win in ways we can’t win on our own.

By becoming a member and contributing 1.5 percent of your base salary, you're doing your part to make more wins possible.
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Frequently asked questions

Membership is what gives us the power to enforce your rights under the Partnership Agreement and to keep winning improvements at the bargaining table.

Here are the answers to the questions we hear most from state employees considering membership.

Our dues are 1.5% of your monthly base salary, which equals about 2.5 hours of work per month. Overtime is not included in the dues calculation.

  • First and foremost, reach out and talk with us to see if we can resolve your issue!
  • Importantly, only members can vote on union contracts, participate in internal union decisions, and access member-only benefits. And non-members may be charged a representation fee of up to $400 per month for disciplinary or grievance support—services that members receive as part of their dues.

As a member, you have a voice in negotiating wages, benefits, and working conditions that affect your daily work life. All 27,000+ covered state employees benefit from our wins: as a member you’ve contributed to those wins.

Members receive full representation at no additional cost. Non-members may receive limited representation with fees.

You'll receive grievance and workplace issue support, contract negotiation representation, legal support when you need it, and representation help if you receive disciplinary notices like an R6-10 pre-disciplinary meeting letter. If you are sent a letter requiring you to attend a pre-disciplinary meeting, called an R6-10, please email info@cowins.org as soon as possible.

Contact us at info@cowins.org or call (719) 545-0677. We provide confidential support for Partnership Agreement Disputes (PADs), grievances, and any workplace concerns you have.

You'll have access to professional development and training opportunities, committee and leadership opportunities to advance your career, plus additional benefits through our affiliations with AFT and SEIU including financial programs and member discounts. Find our full list of benefits here.

When we come together as a union, we can win improvements we can't achieve on our own. Your membership strengthens our collective voice in negotiations and ensures you get full representation and all member benefits, not limited services with fees.

We're the certified employee organization specifically for Colorado state employees under the Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Service Act. We know your contract, your workplace challenges, and we've already delivered real wins like equitable on-call compensation and predictable wage increases.

Eric Olsen,
COWINS Board Member, Department of Corrections
Eric Olsen, COWINS board member working in CDOC
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