Following the conclusion of the 2026 legislative session, the leadership of Pinnacol Assurance, the Colorado Building and Construction Trades Council, IBEW 111 and Colorado Succeeds have aligned on a framework for collaboratively pursuing Pinnacol’s modernization as a pressing policy matter. As part of this unified approach, Colorado Succeeds has withdrawn its proposed statewide ballot measure to allow the coalition to focus entirely on a collaborative and timely legislative solution.
The construction industries remain a critical backbone of our state’s workers’ compensation system and of Pinnacol itself. The company has partnered to support the construction industry and the skilled trades for over 100 years -- today representing roughly 40% of its membership base.
The conversations of recent months demonstrated broad and growing agreement that Colorado’s workforce trends and challenges, employer needs, and long-term economic competitiveness require durable solutions.
Rather than pursuing divergent strategies, including a potential ballot measure, our organizations are instead committed to working toward a unified effort to pursue a legislative solution to modernize Pinnacol, while strengthening workforce development and skilled trades pathways critical to Colorado’s economy.
Two realities have surfaced in this discussion: Colorado needs a strong and modern workers’ compensation system, and the state must continue strengthening workforce pathways tied to essential industries.
Though the group acknowledges work ahead to achieve a final solution, productive conversations in the final several weeks of the 2026 legislative session have yielded a framework anchoring on core pillars to Pinnacol’s modernization:
STATEMENTS
Jason Wardrip, Business Manager, Colorado Building & Construction Trades Council
"The construction industry is a vital piece of our state’s workers’ compensation system and is even more fundamental to Pinnacol’s success. We agree that Pinnacol should be positioned to support a modern economy and workforce, which stands to benefit our members and is a priority to ensure a strong safety net for generations to come - but it must be done in a way that maintains the safety net and its public accountability. We are committed to working with Pinnacol, the legislature and other stakeholders to modernize its structure if it also guarantees strong, long-term protections for workers that depend on Pinnacol the most.”
Jeremy Ross, Political Coordinator, IBEW 111:
“The recent tension around fully privatizing Pinnacol has created an unsustainable risk for workers. Ignoring it is no longer an option. IBEW is committed to pursuing action to ensure that Pinnacol’s statute keeps up with modern times, while ensuring that men and women who are putting their lives on the line each day to support our community do not lose access to our state’s strongest safety net for injured workers.”
John O'Donnell, President & CEO, Pinnacol Assurance:
"We have long maintained that modernizing Pinnacol’s structure is a critical step in better serving our members and their employees.
We were deeply encouraged by the late-session breakthrough requested by legislative leadership to modernize the company and remain affiliated with the state. While the legislative clock ran out this year, the dialogue revealed that business and segments of labor that most depend on Pinnacol share a profound affinity for its future. The construction industry has been part of Pinnacol’s DNA for over 100 years; we are proud to partner with our members, the Trades and all workforce leaders toward a unified vision for modernizing Pinnacol so that we can continue first-class care for the next century."
Scott Laband, President & CEO, Colorado Succeeds:
“Colorado Succeeds has spent months leading conversations across the state about how to strengthen Colorado’s workforce and economy. We heard a consistent message: Pinnacol is a cornerstone of that system, and both employers and labor are firmly invested in its future. Based on that feedback, our coalition is pausing the ballot measure while we work toward a smarter, more unified solution.
Colorado Succeeds remains fully committed to advancing apprenticeships, skills training, and workforce pathways that connect more Coloradans to high-demand careers. We remain committed to helping build a stronger, more durable workforce system that strengthens opportunity and supports Colorado's long-term competitiveness.”
MOVING FORWARD
As a pressing policy matter, the organizations are committed to structured outreach and dialogue with representatives of business and labor to collaborate on a shared vision for Pinnacol’s statutory modernization. By choosing the path of partnership over divisiveness, we are confident we will deliver a modernized, predictable and stable workers’ compensation system that protects workers and keeps Colorado businesses competitive for the next century.
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About Colorado Building and Construction Trades Council
The Colorado Building and Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO is comprised of 24 Craft Local Unions who represent 14 national and international Unions. These Local Unions make up the nucleus of some 30,000 skilled working men and women in the state. Learn more at cbctc.com.
About IBEW 111
Local Union 111, of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, has been proudly protecting the rights of working men and women in Colorado and Wyoming for over one hundred years. Learn more at ibew111.org.
About Pinnacol Assurance
Pinnacol Assurance is a top-performing provider of workers' compensation insurance. We offer top-rated injured worker care, customized safety solutions, and a comprehensive return to work program that helps our members reduce risk and save costs. You can see our investment in the community through our nationally recognized apprenticeship program and Pinnacol Foundation scholarship program. Pinnacol's team members, culture of caring, and top-rated services have received numerous awards, affirming our commitment to the people and communities we serve. Learn more at Pinnacol.com.
About Colorado Succeeds
Colorado Succeeds is a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of business leaders invested in improving schools, changing outcomes for all learners, and shaping the future of Colorado’s workforce. Since 2006, Colorado Succeeds members have worked to build a system where learners are educated to their greatest potential, employers can recruit homegrown talent, and policymakers are responsive to critical needs. We believe great schools are good business. Learn more at coloradosucceeds.org.
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For all media inquiries, contact Liz Johnson, director of public relations.
