Unions react to Utah bill signed into law, preventing collective bargaining for public employees

SALT LAKE CITY — More unions are expressing disappointment after Utah’s governor signed HB267 into law, getting rid of collective bargaining for public employees.

On Facebook, the Professional Fire Fighters of Utah called the bill’s signing a direct attack on Utah’s first responders. In the post, the PFFU said the bill silences the voices of those who run toward danger to protect Utah’s communities.

 

The PFFU argued that collective bargaining allows them, as well as other unions, to negotiate for things like safe staffing levels, mental health resources, and competitive pay.

The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, which helped Salt Lake City Library employees unionize, said Gov. Cox ignored the calls of the people.

 

The AFSCME said the newly signed law undermines fundamental freedoms to unionize and collectively bargain.

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The Utah Education Association said Gov. Cox and the Legislature ignored the voices of thousands by making the bill a law. The UEA said they will continue to fight for their employees and are exploring a ballot referendum.

 

In a statement after signing the bill into law on Friday, Gov. Cox said said he was disappointed.

“Utah has long been known as a state that can work together to solve difficult issues,” he said. I’m disappointed that in this case, the process did not ultimately deliver the compromise that at one point was on the table and that some stakeholders had accepted.”