SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed a controversial collective bargaining ban on Friday, enacting what labor experts say is one of the strictest labor laws in the nation. The decision, made despite intense opposition from union members, will prevent public-sector unions from negotiating wages and working conditions on behalf of their members starting July 1.
Public-Sector Unions Lose Bargaining Rights
The new law impacts unions representing teachers, firefighters, police officers, and transit workers, among other public employees, barring them from engaging in negotiations with employers.
Cox’s approval comes after a week of protests, during which thousands of union members rallied outside his office urging him to veto the bill. The Republican-led Legislature narrowly passed the measure after lawmakers abandoned an earlier compromise that would have allowed some bargaining to continue.
While Cox acknowledged disappointment over the breakdown of compromise efforts, he ultimately signed the legislation, stating,
“The process did not deliver the compromise that was once on the table and had the support of some stakeholders.”
Had Cox vetoed the bill, its supporters would have needed to secure additional votes to override his decision, as the measure did not pass with a veto-proof majority.
Utah Joins States with Strictest Union Restrictions
According to San Francisco State University labor expert John Logan, Utah’s new law places it among the most restrictive states for public-sector unions, alongside North Carolina and South Carolina.
Teachers, who have historically used collective bargaining the most in Utah, view the measure as a Republican effort to weaken their political influence and push through conservative education policies without union opposition.
Republican lawmakers backing the ban argued that the change would encourage direct communication between employers and workers rather than requiring negotiations through a union representative.
Union Leaders Condemn the Move
The Utah Education Association (UEA), the state’s largest union for public school employees, condemned the governor’s decision, accusing him of disregarding workers’ voices.
“Despite overwhelming opposition, Governor Spencer Cox and the Legislature ignored the voices of thousands,” the UEA said in a statement. “This is a direct attack on public employees and our ability to advocate for our professions and students.”
Union officials are considering a ballot referendum to overturn the law, but the effort would require significant resources and funding.
Governor Also Signs Bill Restricting Transgender Student Housing
In addition to the labor law, Cox also signed a controversial bill targeting transgender college students.
The legislation mandates that students at public colleges and universities may only live in dormitories, use locker rooms, or access restrooms that correspond to their sex assigned at birth.
This marks the first explicit state law restricting transgender university housing, though other states have passed broader bathroom laws that could be interpreted to apply to dormitories.
The governor’s latest moves highlight an aggressive conservative push in Utah’s policies, aligning with broader national Republican efforts on labor and gender identity issues.
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