Utah Voters to Decide on Collective Bargaining Ban after Historic Signature Drive
Salt Lake City, April 28, 2025 — A significant step has been taken by labor groups in Utah, as they have successfully gathered more than 140,000 verified signatures to place a referendum on the 2026 ballot. This measure seeks to repeal HB267, a law restricting public workers—specifically police, firefighters, and teachers—from engaging in collective bargaining through union representation.
The Protect Utah Workers coalition, consisting of 19 labor organizations, achieved this milestone by confirming signatures from across 15 senate districts, surpassing the 140,748 signatures necessary. The coalition expressed pride in this accomplishment, stating, “Today, Utahns made history.” They emphasized that this initiative reflects public support for checks and balances and the protection of workers’ rights.
While the law currently stands, opponents of the referendum have a window to contest the signatures. However, barring unforeseen developments, the repeal is on track for a public vote in 2026. This effort is particularly vital, as HB267 was passed with broad Republican support in the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Spencer Cox, despite his expressed reservations.
Labor unions argue that the law undermines their ability to protect workers’ rights, particularly following the Utah Education Association’s opposition to other legislative measures affecting education funding and school choice. The coalition has invested approximately $3 million in this repeal effort, supported by national teachers’ unions.
On the opposing side, groups like Utahns for Worker Freedom advocate for maintaining HB267, claiming it enhances classroom education and taxpayer protection. With both sides gearing up for a significant campaign, the debate over workers’ rights and union representation is set to intensify in Utah, leading to a crucial electoral face-off come 2026.
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