Hundreds of Utah Education Association (UEA) members gathered at the Capitol rotunda on Friday dressed in red, chanting “Veto, veto, veto” in protest of the recently passed HB267 bill that bans public labor unions from collective bargaining. The crowd, including educators, firefighters, and other public workers, urged Gov. Spencer Cox to veto the bill and support the union’s bargaining process.
The protest, occurring a day after the bill passed the Senate, highlighted the UEA’s disappointment and called on Cox to stand up for teachers and public employees. Signs with messages like “public unions keep government honest” and “kill HB267 not our unions” were held up by demonstrators.
Despite attempts to compromise, the bill’s sponsors, Rep. Jordan Teuscher and Sen. Kirk A. Cullimore, ultimately passed the original version, sparking outrage among union members and supporters. Cox’s office announced that he would review the bill before making a decision.
The protest emphasized the importance of unions in advocating for fair working conditions and quality public services, not just for teachers but also for firefighters, nurses, and city workers. Throughout the demonstration, chants of solidarity and calls for Cox to listen to public employees filled the rotunda.
The UEA’s statement reiterated the importance of collective bargaining for public sector workers and criticized lawmakers for passing the legislation despite opposition. The protest served as a powerful showcase of unity among union members, urging the governor to support workers’ rights and veto the controversial bill.
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