After days of debate and public outcry, the Utah Senate narrowly approved a bill on Thursday that would prohibit public labor unions from engaging in collective bargaining.
House Bill 267, titled “Public Sector Labor Union Amendments,” passed with a 16-13 vote, just surpassing the 15-vote threshold required for approval. The legislation now heads back to the House for final procedural steps before reaching Governor Spencer Cox for potential signing.
The bill has been the focus of intense bipartisan discussions and public demonstrations throughout the legislative session. Initially, lawmakers floated a compromise that would have permitted unions to bargain if a simple majority of employees supported representation. However, that proposal was later scrapped in favor of the original bill, which entirely eliminates collective bargaining for public sector unions.
The final version of H.B. 267 (Substitute #1) allows existing labor agreements to remain in effect until they expire, but prohibits government employers from negotiating new contracts or modifying current agreements with unions.
Strong Opposition and Public Reaction
Democratic senators unanimously opposed the bill, joined by seven Republican senators—Ann Millner, Daniel Thatcher, Wayne Harper, Lincoln Fillmore, Ronald Winterton, David Hinkins, and Evan Vickers. The remaining 16 Republican senators voted in favor of the measure.
The Utah Education Association (UEA) expressed deep disappointment, calling the bill unnecessary and unpopular. In a statement, UEA urged Governor Cox to veto the legislation, emphasizing that lawmakers ignored widespread opposition from public employees.
“Thousands of public-sector workers and supporters made their voices heard, yet most Utah lawmakers chose to push forward with this harmful legislation. This is Governor Cox’s chance to prove his commitment to educators and public employees,” the statement read.
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall also urged the governor to reject the bill, arguing that it would weaken the ability of essential public workers—such as teachers, firefighters, and municipal employees—to advocate for fair working conditions.
“This bill strips away the ability of public employees to collectively bargain for better wages and working conditions, yet it will not weaken my commitment to ensuring our city’s workers are treated fairly,” Mendenhall stated.
Supporters Defend the Legislation
Proponents of H.B. 267 argue that the bill promotes fiscal responsibility and ensures that all public employees—not just those in unions—have an equal voice.
Senator Kirk Cullimore, a leading supporter of the bill, emphasized that many public workers feel underrepresented in labor negotiations.
“This legislation is about fairness. Some employees feel their voices are drowned out by unions, and this bill ensures taxpayer money is spent responsibly, rather than being influenced by collective bargaining agreements,” Cullimore said.
Conservative advocacy group Americans for Prosperity-Utah celebrated the bill’s passage, claiming that teachers’ unions have historically opposed school choice initiatives favored by taxpayers.
“For too long, public sector unions have wielded excessive influence over government policies. This reform ensures that Utahns’ tax dollars serve the needs of the public—not special interest groups,” said Kevin Greene, the organization’s director.
With the bill now awaiting Governor Cox’s decision, both opponents and supporters are watching closely to see whether he will sign it into law or issue a veto.
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