SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Protect Utah Workers initiative has gathered nearly 130,000 signatures in its effort to repeal H.B. 267, a controversial law that eliminates collective bargaining rights for public sector unions. However, the group is still about 10,000 signatures short of the required threshold to put the issue before voters.
Effort to Put the Law on the Ballot
The Public Sector Labor Union Amendments bill, which narrowly passed the Utah Senate on February 6 and was signed into law by Governor Spencer Cox on February 14, sparked significant public opposition. The coalition behind the referendum is working to collect 140,748 verified signatures from Utah voters by mid-April.
In addition to the statewide total, signatures must also come from at least 8% of voters in 15 of Utah’s 29 Senate districts.
Despite making rapid progress in gathering support, Jessica Bruner, director of the Utah Public Employees Association, stressed the need to continue collecting signatures to ensure they surpass the minimum requirement.
“We know some signatures may not count due to errors like incorrect addresses or illegible writing. That’s why we need to keep up the momentum and double our efforts,” Bruner said.
She encouraged Utahns who want to sign the petition or support the effort to visit ProtectUtahWorkers.com for more information.
Supporters Say Collective Bargaining Is Essential
At a press conference Friday, representatives from law enforcement, firefighters, and other public service workers voiced concerns over losing collective bargaining, arguing that it impacts more than just wages—it also affects workplace safety, staffing levels, and service quality.
Kevin Murray, president of the Utah Fraternal Order of Police, criticized the law for silencing public servants.
“This law takes away our ability to advocate for our needs. Without collective bargaining, who will ensure officers are supported? We risk moving backward instead of forward,” Murray stated.
Firefighter Harrison Long of Salt Lake City emphasized that negotiating fair working conditions directly impacts public safety. He pointed out that thanks to collective bargaining, staffing levels for emergency responders have improved, allowing four firefighters to respond to emergencies instead of just two or three.
“This isn’t just about paychecks—it’s about making sure we have the resources to do our jobs safely and effectively,” Long explained. “Without these protections, our ability to serve the public is compromised.”
Opposing Arguments: Fiscal Responsibility and Fairness
Supporters of H.B. 267 argue that the bill is designed to protect taxpayers and ensure fairness among all public employees, including those who are not union members.
State Senator Kirk Cullimore, a proponent of the bill, defended the decision by saying:
“This legislation ensures that public employees who are not part of unions have an equal voice. It’s about responsible use of taxpayer money and balancing the system.”
What Comes Next?
If the Protect Utah Workers coalition successfully gathers enough verified signatures, Utah voters will have the final say on whether the law remains in place or is overturned.
For now, advocates continue their efforts, urging residents to sign the petition before the deadline and help determine the future of labor rights in Utah .
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