Labor unions file referendum against public sector collective bargaining bill
The fight against Utah's public sector labor union bill isn't over.
HB267, which bans public sector collective bargaining and was sponsored by Rep. Jordan Teuscher, R-South Jordan, was signed into law by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox last month.
Collective bargaining occurs when an employer and a union come together to negotiate a contract for employees. HB267 applies only to public sector labor unions and does not affect the private sector.
But on Wednesday, a coalition of labor partners — known as Protect Utah Workers — filed a referendum to overturn the controversial bill.
The coalition represents a diverse alliance of police, nurses, teachers and public sector employees 'committed to restoring fairness and giving workers a stronger voice in Utah,' according to a release from the group.
'Public employees serve our communities every day, but Utah lawmakers have silenced their voices by taking away their right to negotiate for fair wages, safe workplaces and better working conditions,' Renee Pinkney, president of the Utah Education Association, said in a statement. 'This referendum allows Utah voters to right that wrong and ensure workers have a seat at the table.'
The group is launching a statewide effort to gather 141,000 signatures opposing the bill in 30 days.
The labor unions behind Protect Utah Workers include:
AFT Utah
Teamsters Local 222
AFSCME Local 1004
Utah Education Association
CWA Local 7765
Utah School Employees' Association
Utah Public Employees' Association
Salt Lake Valley Law Enforcement Association
This story may be updated.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Opinion: Energy tax credits help Utah's economy thrive
For generations, Utah has been known as 'the Crossroads of the West,' and, in recent years, our state has undergone an exciting amount of growth. According to Pew, between 2009 and 2023, Utah experienced the fastest median population growth rate in the United States, at 1.68% a year. By 2065, Utah County alone will add 1 million people to its population. People from across the country and the world are moving to Utah, not only for its natural beauty, but for the state's pro-business economy. With all the positives that come from a growing population, Utah must address one of the greatest challenges facing our state: producing reliable energy. In recent years, federal lawmakers have sought to incentivize domestic clean energy production. Tax provisions that were included in federal legislation have unleashed a new era of energy production in Utah. Last fall, Gov. Spencer Cox launched 'Operation Gigawatt,' an ambitious initiative to double Utah's power production over the next decade. Reflecting his commitment to an all-of-the-above energy strategy, the plan leverages a diverse mix of traditional and renewable resources — including natural gas, nuclear, geothermal, solar and wind — to meet growing demand. By combining access to abundant natural assets with world-class research and innovation, Utah is positioning itself as a national leader in clean, reliable and forward-looking energy solutions. Despite the positive impact that these tax credits have on Utah's energy independence and economy, some lawmakers in Washington, D.C., have proposed eliminating them in the reconciliation package now under consideration in Congress. What may seem like an easy way to generate revenue will cost Americans more in the long run. Not only will states like Utah push the limits of their current energy infrastructure, but consumers will also experience an immediate increase in the cost of utilities. Utah is not the only state that would be negatively impacted by eliminating energy tax credits. Last month, Sen. John Curtis sent a letter with some of his Republican colleagues from Alaska, Kansas and North Carolina to Senate Leader John Thune about this issue. The letter highlights the ways that these tax credits have empowered the growth of the clean energy sector, and how getting rid of these credits would 'weaken our position as a global energy leader.' SunRun, a major employer in Utah, exemplifies how clean energy tax credits can drive economic growth and energy innovation. The company's investments in solar technology and distribution not only create local jobs but also help increase America's energy independence. If Congress moves forward with cutting these vital tax credits, it would impact companies like SunRun that are at the forefront of building a more sustainable and secure energy future for Utah and the nation. Utah is fortunate to have leaders in Washington, D.C., like Sen. John Curtis, who understand the need for investments to drive a clean energy future. Our state's continued growth is reliant on our ability to provide reliable, affordable energy to everyone who wants to call Utah home. Let's not squander this opportunity; we must protect clean energy tax credits.
Axios
5 days ago
- Axios
Gov. Spencer Cox issues Pride statement — minus LGBTQ+ references
Gov. Spencer Cox issued a statement Sunday acknowledging Pride Month — but again eschewed mention of LGBTQ+ communities in favor of a celebration of " building bridges." The big picture: Pride Month proclamations have become an annual point of controversy for Cox, drawing complaints from across the political spectrum. Conservatives complain the statements are "woke," while progressives decry wording that falls short of full-throated support for queer Utahns. The intrigue: In Sunday's post on X, Cox did not call on Utahns to celebrate Pride — nor did it indicate whether he planned to celebrate Pride Month himself. Instead, he said he would spend the month "reflecting on the values that bring us together here in Utah — service, respect, and love for our neighbor." "To those celebrating Pride and to all Utahns: may we keep building bridges of understanding and strive always to see the humanity in one another," he would. Cox's office did not respond to Axios' request for comment. Catch up quick: For years, Cox was elevated as an LGBTQ+ ally.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Yahoo
Utah's House to elect new leadership. Here's who's running
SALT LAKE CITY () — Utah's House majority will hold elections for a new House Majority Leader on Tuesday, June 3, and several hopefuls could usher in a completely new leadership team under House Speaker Mike Schultz (R-Hooper). The announcement that Rep. Jefferson Moss (R-Eagle Mountain) will be moving to the executive branch to head the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) leaves a vacancy for the House majority's number two leadership role, Majority Leader. Multiple sources with knowledge of internal communications with the caucus confirm to ABC4 that two members of the current leadership will be vying for it, Reps. Karianne Lisonbee (R-Syracuse) and Casey Snider (R-Logan). Under House rules, anyone currently serving in leadership and running for an open position must resign from their current leadership position. That means that Lisonbee's current position as Majority Whip and Snider's current position as Assistant Whip will also open up. Lt. Gov. Henderson gets more death threats over Primary signature gathering issues — How will they be handled? The following Republican representatives, listed in order alphabetically by last name, are running for the open positions: Karianne Lisonbee (R-Syracuse) Casey Snider (R-Logan) Jeff Burton (R-Spanish Fork) Candice Pierucci (R-Herriman) Jordan Teuscher (R-South Jordan) Ryan Wilcox (R-North Ogden) Bridger Bolinder (R-Grantsville) Cory Maloy (R-Lehi) Karen Petersen (R-Smithfield) Rex Shipp (R-Parowan) Gov. Cox signs executive order to establish new council focused on Utah's future and 'quality of life' Another possible shift, Rep. Teuscher is currently the powerful House Rules Chair, who helps decide which bills make it out of the rules committee to be heard by the larger body. If he wins the Whip position, he would likely have to give up that role due to the time constraints. However, it's at the Speaker's discretion who he appoints as Rules Chair. 'One of the primary responsibilities of the Whip is to serve as a liaison with the Senate and to help unify and strengthen our caucus,' said Teuscher. 'I believe I bring the right combination of experience, skills, temperament, and relationships to be effective in that role—and to ensure our caucus continues to drive the conversation on the most important issues facing our state and is successful in getting our policy objectives to the finish line.' Teuscher has ushered in some controversial legislation in the past, most recently the ban on collective bargaining, HB267, which currently faces a referendum that will be put before voters to decide whether or not to overturn it after labor groups While the current field of candidates is pretty settled, the source said, representatives do have until Monday morning to declare their intent to run. It's also possible that representatives not included in this list could be nominated by the body during the election for any of the open positions. Utah unveils new housing dashboard in effort to hit 'moonshot' goal of building 35,000 starter homes The vacancy by Rep. Moss is also adding another wrinkle to the elections. His seat has yet to be filled via a special election, decided by the Utah County Republican Party. That means that the House majority will have 60 members voting in the election, not 61, leaving the possibility for a tie. House majority elections require a simple majority vote, and it's unclear exactly what would happen in that case, however, the rules would suggest that voting would continue until there is a majority. Political insiders who spoke with ABC4 about the race say it is unusual for two members of the current leadership to be running against each other. Typically, those already in leadership positions tend to slide into a vacant and more prominent role. Those insiders also say there is pent-up demand to be in leadership, as evidenced by the number of people running. The House majority's elections are not public, but the new leadership team will be announced Tuesday evening after the vote. President Trump gives Elon Musk an Oval Office send-off Musk slams New York Times after report on alleged drug use GOP plan could raise credit requirements for Pell Grant recipients Musk appears in Oval Office with black eye Utah's House to elect new leadership. Here's who's running Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
