CU Protesters Demand Regents Cut Ties with Key Lime Air, Grant Union Rights

Over 100 demonstrators rally for university to cancel contract and recognize worker collective bargaining.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

More than 100 protesters gathered in two rallies on Thursday at the University of Colorado, demanding the school’s Board of Regents cancel its contract with Key Lime Air and grant university employees the right to collectively bargain.

Why it matters

The protests highlight ongoing tensions between the university, its contracted vendors, and campus workers seeking greater labor protections and a voice in workplace decisions. The outcome could set a precedent for how CU handles vendor relationships and worker organizing efforts.

The details

Protesters are calling on the CU Regents to end the university’s contract with Key Lime Air, a regional airline that provides shuttle services to the Boulder campus. Demonstrators argue Key Lime Air has resisted employee efforts to unionize and collectively bargain. Protesters also demand CU formally recognize the right of its own workers to unionize and negotiate contracts.

  • The protests took place on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

The players

University of Colorado

The public research university system with campuses across Colorado, including the flagship Boulder location where these protests occurred.

CU Board of Regents

The governing body responsible for overseeing the University of Colorado system.

Key Lime Air

A regional airline that provides shuttle services to the University of Colorado Boulder campus under contract.

CU Workers

Employees of the University of Colorado system who are seeking the right to collectively bargain.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not allow vendors like Key Lime Air to deny workers their basic rights. The university has a moral obligation to stand with its employees.”

— Sarah Gomez, CU Boulder student organizer (Daily Camera)

What’s next

The CU Board of Regents is expected to discuss the protesters’ demands at its next scheduled meeting on February 15, 2026.

The takeaway

This protest reflects the growing push by university workers across the country to organize and gain more of a voice in their workplaces, even when it involves challenging the decisions of university leadership and its contracted partners.