Rally at Utah Capitol Urges Gov. Cox to Veto Controversial Union Bill

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Utah’s largest teacher union staged a major rally at the Capitol Building on Friday, urging Governor Spencer Cox to reject a controversial bill that would eliminate collective bargaining rights for public sector unions.

The gathering, led by the Utah Education Association (UEA), drew hundreds of teachers, firefighters, and other public employees who voiced their opposition to H.B. 267, the “Public Sector Labor Union Amendments.” If enacted, the legislation would prevent unionized government workers from using collective bargaining in contract negotiations.

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This demonstration is part of an ongoing public outcry against the bill, which has faced significant resistance from labor groups. In response to the backlash, the bill’s Senate sponsor initially proposed a compromise—allowing unions to negotiate if a simple majority of employees voted in favor of union representation. However, that proposal was later abandoned, and the original bill moved forward unchanged.

The legislation narrowly passed the Senate with 16 votes in favor and 13 opposed, just surpassing the 15-vote threshold required for approval. Now, the bill awaits Gov. Cox’s decision.

Union members and protesters are calling on Cox to veto the measure, arguing that lawmakers are failing to represent the best interests of Utah’s workforce. If the governor issues a veto, the Senate still has the power to override it, but doing so would require 20 votes—a higher margin than the initial passage.

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Following the bill’s approval, the Utah Education Association released a statement expressing disappointment.

“This harmful legislation now sits on Governor Cox’s desk, and we strongly urge him to reject it,” the statement read. “The governor has long claimed to support educators—this is his opportunity to stand by his words.”

With the bill now in the governor’s hands, public employees and union advocates remain hopeful that their voices will be heard.

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