Utah Senate committee advances public union bargaining ban
A Utah Senate committee narrowly advanced (4-3) a controversial bill Wednesday to end collective bargaining for public sector unions.
Why it matters: The proposal faced intense opposition from unions representing educators, firefighters and police officers.
State of play: HB 267 's sponsor state Rep. Jordan Teuscher (R-South Jordan) told members of the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee Wednesday that he wants to eliminate collective bargaining for public unions to allow all voices to be heard, arguing that labor unions may only represent 20%-40% of workers.
The other side: The Utah Education Association, the state's largest teachers union, has called the bill an "unprecedented legislative power grab to consolidate power at the expense of Utah's public education system."
What's next: The proposed measure will now be considered on the Senate floor for a vote.
Committee Chair Dan McCay (R-Riverton) said he'd vote to support the bill, but urged Teuscher to continue meeting with stakeholders and "try to drive some consensus."
"My yes today is not a guarantee for a yes in the future," he noted.
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