Auditor Supports Denver Labor Staff Unionizing

Posted June 19, 2025

In a bold and affirming stance, Denver Auditor Timothy M. O’Brien, CPA, is announcing his full support for employees in the Auditor Office’s Denver Labor division as they officially unionize with Communications Workers of America Local 7777.

The Auditor’s support is unique as this is one of the first nonpublic safety employee unions in the City and County of Denver. His announcement reflects a recognition of the importance of government employee representation and labor rights protections.

“I believe in the right of workers to organize,” said Auditor O’Brien. “Unions strengthen workplaces, amplify employee voices, and ensure a more transparent and fair work environment. By unionizing, our service to the public only gets better.”

Denver Labor, a division of the Auditor’s Office, promotes lawful employment practices and wage compliance efforts while providing cutting-edge labor, wage, and hourly enforcement. The division deters wage theft, reduces the harms of poverty, and expands economic justice through comprehensive wage and hour enforcement and education.

The unionization effort comes in response to employee interest in greater collaboration on issues like compensation, benefits, office policies, workload, and career development.

Denver Labor Executive Director Matthew Fritz-Mau

er said resisting the idea of having unionized members in the Auditor’s Office wasn’t even a consideration.

“This is a partnership,” Fritz-Mauer said. “Our employees understand better than anybody how important our work is. It would be strange to fight for the rights or Denver’s workers, while trying to deny those rights to our own staff. If they feel having a union will make our division stronger, then we’ll make sure their voice is heard and respected. A unionized workplace can be a unified workplace.”

Reaction among unionized staff has been positive, with several employees expressing appreciation for the Auditor’s stance.

“Having the Auditor support us so openly is both rare and refreshing,” said Anna Van Der Like, Policy Analyst with Denver Labor. “It is meaningful knowing our union members can meet and negotiate with managers without expecting it to be contentious. We share in the goal of making a workplace where people are empowered, protected, and proud of the work they do.”

Auditor O’Brien sees this announcement as a significant step forward for the office and the community it serves.

“By supporting our staff’s right to organize, we’re not just responding to today’s needs, we’re investing in the long-term strength, trust, and resilience of this division. That’s how we build a better future for public service.”

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