In a victory for all of organized labor, the state of Utah has repealed a ban on collective bargaining for public sector workers that went into effect on July 1. While the law did not prevent workers such as teachers, firefighters, police officers and other public employees from joining a union, the law prevented unions from formally negotiating for better wages and working conditions on behalf of its members.
Earlier this year, thousands of union members — including BLET representatives — rallied for a week outside of the governor’s office to urge him to veto the bill. Pushback has continued in the months after signing, ultimately leading to the state legislature reversing its decision during a special session this month.
Scott Weeks, Chairman of the BLET’s Utah State Legislative Board, credited the solidarity of public and private sectors for driving the reversal.
“Although the legislature did the right thing in repealing this demonstrably unpopular law, we must remain vigilant against future attacks on unions, both public and private,” said Weeks. “HB 267 was not the first bill in recent years attacking unions, and it won’t be the last. Utah’s unions — including the BLET — became a united voice in recent years against other union-busting bills and were certainly instrumental in pressuring the legislature and the governor to repeal this law.”