LOGAN – Local public workers have banded together to oppose the implementation of House Bill 267, the legislation recently passed by the Utah Legislature banning collective bargaining by unions that serve teachers, firefighters, police and other public employees.
Under the aegis of Protect Utah Workers, an ad hoc group of labor partners, they filed a referendum on March 17 with the office of Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson to overturn House Bill 267 (Public Sector Labor Union Amendments) and have began to collect signatures to support that petition.
The backbone of the Protect Utah Workers organization is members of the Utah Education Association (UEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), two unions that represent public school teachers in Utah.
Other labor groups that have joined the coalition include Teamsters Local 222, representing more than 3,000 members working for dozens of employers across the state; AFSCME Local 1004, a local chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees; CWA Local 7765, a local chapter of the Communications Workers of America union, representing healthcare and education workers; the Utah School Employees’ Association, the largest union representing classified school employees; the Utah Public Employees’ Association, which represents public employees working for city, county and state government agencies; the Salt Lake Valley Law Enforcement Association, representing public safety professionals; and, others.
HB 267 prohibits public employers (like school districts or other public entities) from recognizing labor organizations as bargaining agents or entering into collective bargaining contracts.
The bill faced strong opposition in the Legislature, with some arguing it silences public educators, weakens unions and harms students and public schools.
Despite those criticisms, the Republican super-majority in the Legislature was able to muscle that controversial proposal through, establishing one of the most restrictive labor laws in the country in order to curb the political influence of unions, particularly those representing public school teachers.
Liberal teachers unions have been bitter opponents of Republican policies in Utah and other states where lawmakers have eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion programs; expanded school choice voucher programs; and, restricted woke/transgender initiatives.
The professional groups associated with Protect Utah Workers lobbied strongly against House Bill 267 in the 2025 legislative session and are now prepared to fight implementation of the new law at the ballot box.
“This bill didn’t fix a broken system,” according to Jerry Philpot, president of AFSCME 1004, who praised the collective bargaining system that Salt Lake City has operated under for years. “This law shattered one that worked.”
“This referendum is about power,” says Carlos Vasquez of Teamster Local 222. “It’s about who holds it and who gets a say.
“Right now, the politicians have the power,” he adds. “But we’re fighting to give it back to the people.”
The labor group is now mobilizing across the state to collect signatures and is calling on all Utahns who support workers’ rights to help gather signatures.
The PUW group will also host signature collection events statewide and provide training for those willing to help gather signatures.
Here in Logan, Protect Utah Workers has set up shop at the Northern Utah UniServ Office at 75 West, 100 South (Suite 250).
“Take 10 minutes today or tomorrow to help make all our voices heard,” says Emily Heap, an assistant technical director at Utah State University.
Heap urges all registered voters in the Cache County/Logan area to help protect Utah workers by gathering signatures locally from friends, family members and neighbors. Supporters of public workers can also help out at the designed PUW locations by gathering signatures and enlisting volunteers.
More information about the insurgent campaign can be found at their website by going online to www.ProtectUtahWorkers.com
The attempt by Utah lawmakers to silence teachers’ voices is a threat to all Utahns, according to Renee Pinkney, president of the UEA.
“This referendum allows Utah voters to right that wrong,” she argues, “and ensure that workers have a seat at the table.”