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- Over 1,000 people protested at the state Capitol Friday against HB267, banning public sector union bargaining.
- Senate passed the bill 16-13 on Thursday, with leaders citing communication issues with unions during negotiations.
- Opponents are urging the governor to veto the bill, citing impacts on teachers and first responders.
SALT LAKE CITY — Over 1,000 people filled the state Capitol rotunda Friday pleading for Gov. Spencer Cox to veto HB267.
The controversial bill bans collective bargaining for public sector unions.
"We need this bill to be vetoed so teachers can do their jobs working with the unions and we can have the unions supporting us in fighting for policies that we need to be covered," said Laura Haynie, who was named Cache County School District's 2024-25 Teacher of the Year.
The Senate narrowly passed the bill on Thursday in a 16-13 vote, sending the measure to the governor's desk. It was a shock to many union members who were told lawmakers were still working on a compromise that would have allowed collective bargaining if more than half of employees voted for a union to represent them.
"I feel like our voices weren't heard, like it didn't matter all of a sudden what we were saying, and they took it upon themselves to make a choice for us," Haynie said.
On Friday, Senate leaders stood by their decision to pass the original version of the bill and stated the negotiating process with union reps suffered due to communication issues.
"It seems like there is a great deal of frustration with the communication or miscommunication. They'll ask me, 'Why didn't you listen to our voice?' and I was like, 'I was trying to listen to your voice and your union's voice, and those got conflicted,'" said Sen. Scott Sandall, R-Tremonton, the Executive Appropriations vice chairman.
"I do think we passed the right policy, and I stand by the policy,' said Senate President J. Stuart Adams.
"I stand by the policy as well. I am hopeful the rank-and-file union members will get the message about what the bill actually is and what it actually does and at least know what they're protesting," said Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore.
Cullimore said by passing the original bill, it will save taxpayers money and give more public workers who are not represented by a union a voice.
Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla opposes HB267 and told reporters Friday that she, too, is asking Cox to veto the bill. She said she has a lot of concerns about the impact it could have on Utah's first responders and teachers.
KSL-TV reached out to Cox's office to find out where he stands on the bill. His spokesperson responded, saying the governor received it Friday afternoon and that he will be reviewing the legislative details as soon as possible.
"We would like Gov. Cox to veto this bill now. We know that Gov. Cox has claimed to be a pro public education champion in the past. We would like him to prove that," said Renee Pinkney, president of the Utah Education Association.
