Utah Governor Signs Law Banning Public Employee Collective Bargaining
Utah’s Republican Governor Spencer Cox signed a new law on Feb. 14 that bans public employee collective bargaining, making it one of the most restrictive labor laws in the country. Beginning July 1, unions representing teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other public employees will no longer be able to negotiate on behalf of their members.
Despite significant opposition from union members, the law was signed after the Republican-controlled legislature narrowly approved it. Governor Cox faced pressure to veto the bill after thousands of union members rallied outside his office, but ultimately chose to sign it into law.
Educators are among the most affected by the new law and see it as an attempt by Republicans to curb the influence of teachers unions. The Utah Education Association, the state’s largest public education employees’ union, is exploring options for overturning the law, including a possible ballot referendum.
In other news, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has stopped a plan to collect the immigration status of children when they register for public school, and Wyoming committees have killed a bill that would ban electronic voting machines. Additionally, New Mexico lawmakers celebrated Lowrider Day at the state Capitol, honoring the state’s rich lowrider car culture.
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