Quick Answer
Comprehensive guide to Colorado employment law covering CADA discrimination protections, FAMLI paid family leave, wage laws, and worker rights.
Colorado has become one of the most employee-friendly states in the nation. With the groundbreaking FAMLI paid family leave program, strong CADA discrimination protections, and progressive wage and hour laws, Colorado workers enjoy robust protections.
Quick Facts: Colorado Employment Law
| Topic | Colorado | Federal |
|---|---|---|
| Discrimination Law | CADA (all employers) | Title VII (15+) |
| Minimum Wage | $14.81/hour | $7.25/hour |
| Paid Family Leave | Yes (FAMLI) | No |
| Paid Sick Leave | Yes (all employers) | No |
| Filing Deadline | 300 days (CCRD) | 300 days (EEOC) |
Key Colorado Protections
Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA)
Covers all employers:
- No minimum employee threshold
- Broad protected classes
- Administered by Colorado Civil Rights Division
Protected classes:
- Race, color, national origin, ancestry
- Religion, creed
- Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity
- Age (40+)
- Disability
- Marriage to coworker
- Pregnancy, childbirth
FAMLI: Paid Family Medical Leave
Colorado's landmark program (2024):
- Up to 12 weeks paid leave
- 90% of wages (up to cap)
- For serious health conditions, family care, new child
- All employers covered
Healthy Families Workplaces Act
Paid sick leave:
- All employers
- 48 hours per year
- Immediate accrual
Wage and Hour Laws
Minimum Wage
$14.81/hour (2026)
- Adjusts annually with CPI
- Denver: $18.29/hour (higher local rate)
Overtime
- Time-and-a-half after 40 hours/week
- After 12 hours in a day
- After 12 consecutive hours
Filing Complaints
Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD)
Phone: 303-894-2997 Website: ccrd.colorado.gov
EEOC Denver Field Office
Phone: 1-800-669-4000
Related Resources
- Colorado Wrongful Termination
- Colorado Workplace Discrimination
- Colorado Workers' Compensation
- Denver Employment Law
- Colorado Springs Employment Law
Legal Disclaimer
This guide provides general information about Colorado employment law and is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed Colorado employment attorney.
Official Resources:
- Colorado Civil Rights Division: ccrd.colorado.gov{rel="nofollow"} | 303-894-2997
- EEOC: eeoc.gov{rel="nofollow"} | 1-800-669-4000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA)?
What is fAMLI: Paid Family Medical Leave?
What is healthy Families Workplaces Act?
What is minimum Wage?
What is colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD)?
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