In 2007, state employees came together to form Colorado Workers for Innovations and New Solutions (WINS). Members from three of the state's employee organizations decided to pool our resources for a greater voice to improve state jobs and services. We work in partnership with the state to improve quality of services, working conditions, safety, conflict resolution, staff attrition, pay and benefits and more to ensure that we have an effective workforce to serve all Coloradans.

Since our start we've been able to improve state services, jobs and build a strong, member-driven employee organization. Some of Colorado WINS members' recent accomplishments include

• 2.5% back into paychecks: Since July 2010, state workers have been forced to pay an additional 2.5% into PERA (10.5% total) while the state reduced its contribution. Colorado WINS members collected and delivered more than 1,700 petition signatures to the DPA Director and more than 3,200 postcards to the Governor urging them to restore the 2.5%  cost shift back to employee paychecks, while keeping PERA solvent. This will keep about $20 million in employees' pockets when this provision goes into effect on July 1, 2012.
• Full funding for health premium increases: Due to our efforts, the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) voted on 3/29 that state employees will not have to carry the $15 million premium increase and the employee contribution for these premiums will not increase. This is the first time in at least 4 years that employees will not pay more for health care premiums.
• Nearly 500 jobs saved: Colorado WINS opposed any layoffs and urged lawmakers to keep full funding of the Health, Life and Dental premium increase. On March 29th, JBC members approved a 1% personal services reduction, exempting 24-hour (24/7) facilities, Public Safety and divisions with less than 20 FTE. This means that correctional facilities and DHS facilities will be held harmless and will experience no reductions. The Governor's office has made clear that other divisions that fall under the 1% can manage the cuts without layoffs.
• Established employee voice in the workplace through facility level committees at the worksite that share in problem solving and decision making with management in the Department of Human Services.
• Improved communication and efficiency of services through an on-going taskforce to modernize communication through intranet, email and other means in the Department of Revenue
• Restored flex time scheduling and through identified efficiencies saved the Department of Labor and Employment thousands of dollars in overhead expenses.