Utah Repeals Law, Restores Collective Bargaining for Public Workers

SALT LAKE CITY

A significant legislative change has occurred in Utah as the state legislature has repealed HB 267, a law that previously prohibited public employee unions from engaging in collective bargaining. This change has been met with approval from union leaders and members.

In response to the repeal, AFT Utah President Brad Asay and AFT President Randi Weingarten expressed their satisfaction, stating, “Tonight’s repeal is a historic step in the right direction to return respect and dignity to the workers of Utah. Over 5,000 union activists worked hard to collect more than 300,000 signatures to return a voice at work for teachers and other public employees. Because of that effort, we now have a Legislature that has reversed itself and a pathway for collective bargaining in the future.”

They further emphasized their ongoing commitment to advocating for workers' rights: “AFT Utah and the AFT are celebrating tonight and are committed to charging forward until every worker has the voice they deserve.”

About the AFT

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) represents a diverse group of 1.8 million members. This includes pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, paraprofessionals, and other school-related personnel. Additionally, they advocate for higher education faculty and professional staff, government employees across federal, state, and local levels, as well as nurses, healthcare workers, and early childhood educators.