The election is over. What lies ahead for labor?

What an election! Regardless of the outcome on the national level, this election season was ultimately one of the best for the Colorado AFL-CIO. While we didn't win a pro-labor majority in the State Senate, we played a part in some major victories for working families--like raising the minimum wage.

Our affiliates mobilized like never before to volunteer with the Colorado AFL-CIO program. Together, we built a truly member driven effort that resulted in our endorsed candidates winning overwhelmingly--taking 3/6 Congressional seats, 9/13 State Senate seats, and 33/37 State House seats.

I know many of us are focused on the federal races, but we must remember all politics are local. The solidarity we built this cycle prepares us for the 2017 legislative session, and to fight back against anti-worker laws at the national level.

You should be proud of the effort we put forth together. By working as a unified labor front we already demonstrated we can raise wages for everyone in Colorado.
As Frederick Douglass said, "Without a struggle, there can be no progress."

Believe it or not, this election is an opportunity for us as a labor movement. Now is the time for us to be united, and organize against those who want to limit our ability to speak up together.

We must embrace the struggle ahead, and work together towards a common goal--building power for working families.