Utah governor signs bill banning collective bargaining between unions and government

A Utah bill to ban public-sector unions, such as teachers’ unions, from collective bargaining with public employers was signed by Gov. Spencer Cox on Friday.

HB 267 does nothing to prevent employees from joining a union. It merely stops unions from being the sole negotiator between the government and its employees.

State Sen. Kirk Cullimore, R-District 19, who also spearheaded the state’s universal school choice program in 2023, sponsored the bill.

“We appreciate all civil servants, particularly our first responders and our teachers. This does not signal any less of a commitment to them and their industry,” Cullimore said.

Another Senate Republican explained why collective bargaining can be harmful when it comes to public unions. 

“Public-sector unions, unlike their private counterparts, negotiate with government officials over taxpayer-funded resources,” said Sen. John Johnson, R-District 3, during the Feb. 6 session. “This dynamic can lead to decisions that prioritize union interest over the needs and welfare of the general populace.” 

The Freedom Foundation, a free market think tank, also praised the bill for promoting transparency and fiscal responsibility.  

“HB267 is a crucial step toward ensuring transparency and accountability in public-sector unions,” Arielle Brown, vice president of communications at the Freedom Foundation, told The Lion.  

“This bill not only safeguards taxpayer resources by ensuring union operations are conducted with fairness and openness, but it also strengthens the public trust by prioritizing the responsible stewardship of those funds.” 

Democrats and teachers’ unions opposed the bill.  

Sen. Kathleen Riebe, D-District 15, alleged the measure would turn “a civil servant into an indentured servant.”   

And the state teachers’ union – the Utah Education Association – called HB 267 “dangerous legislation” that was a “direct attack on Utah’s public educators, students, and the foundation of public education itself.”  

UEA even started a petition opposing the measure, claiming it would “silence public educators, eliminate bargaining rights, and weaken unions that advocate for student success and quality public schools.”  

However, teachers’ unions have been the object of much criticism for advocating for policies that help unions but do nothing for students or families.  

Utah now joins a handful of other Republican-led states in limiting collective bargaining.  

North and South Carolina also ban collective bargaining for public-sector unions. Texas and Georgia have similar measures with exceptions for police officers and firefighters.