SALT LAKE CITY — A powerful alliance of labor unions in Utah has made a significant move to challenge a recently passed labor law, collecting over 320,000 signatures in just one month—more than double the number required to put the issue before voters.
Nineteen public sector unions joined forces to oppose House Bill 267, a controversial measure passed by the Utah Legislature in February. The bill has drawn criticism from workers across the state who believe it undermines labor rights.
To push back, the coalition launched a referendum initiative immediately following the end of the legislative session. Their goal: to give Utah voters the final say. The state mandates 140,748 valid signatures from registered voters statewide to qualify for a ballot spot, along with the requirement that at least 8% of voters in 15 of Utah’s 29 senate districts sign on.
In a news conference Wednesday, union leaders announced they had submitted more than 320,000 signatures—averaging over 11,000 signatures per day. Although they haven’t confirmed whether all district-specific thresholds have been met, the group remains optimistic.
“Despite the Legislature and governor turning a blind eye to the public outcry, Utahns answered the call and made their voices heard,” said Jessica Stauffer, a registered nurse and coalition representative.
John Arthur, a teacher based in Salt Lake City, called the grassroots effort “unprecedented,” noting the extraordinary momentum built in such a short window. “We didn’t just hit our target—we doubled it. What seemed impossible became a reality because of the people of Utah,” he said.
The unions acknowledged this is just the beginning. Opponents of the referendum are expected to mount campaigns to persuade voters to withdraw their signatures before the state’s verification deadline. Official signature counts may be released by June 21, with a final determination expected no later than June 23 by the Lieutenant Governor’s office.
Even if the signature totals are verified, the repeal of H.B. 267 won’t be finalized unless Utah voters reject the bill in the general election this November.
Arthur emphasized the broader impact of the movement: “This is about people, not politics. The people of Utah now have the power to decide what kind of state we want to be.”
- Kings Score Three in Final Period to Top Utah in Exciting Finish - April 18, 2025
- Health Alert: Measles Cases in Utah Spark Concern Across Western U.S. - April 18, 2025
- Unidentified Body Found in Garbage Bag Sparks Investigation in Brigham City - April 18, 2025
