The Utah Legislature is not wasting time getting bills on the governor’s desk and signed into law. Governor Cox recently signed H.B. 267, which was hotly contested and at the forefront of debate. The bill amends provisions governing public employees, public safety, and public fire labor.
The new legislation states that a public employer may not recognize a labor organization as a bargaining agent for public employees, nor can a public employer collectively bargain or enter into any collective bargaining contract with a labor organization or a representative.
H.B. 267 does provide that if a public employer has a collective bargaining agreement in effect on May 7, 2025, then the prohibitions on collective bargaining will not take effect until the date the collective bargaining agreement expires. After the expiration of said collective bargaining agreement, the public employer may not enter into a new collective bargaining agreement, nor can the public employer renew, extend, or modify an existing collective bargaining agreement.
The legislation also prohibits the use of public money or public property to assist, promote, or deter union organizing or administration. Additionally, there is a requirement that labor organizations for which public employers collect union dues provide an accounting to the labor organization members and to the Labor Commission.
The new legislation, set to take effect on July 1, 2025, will impact how public employees express their voices and advocate for working conditions. Consulting and Enterprise members can contact Employers Council with any questions at info@employerscouncil.org.
Brandon Garrett is an attorney for Employers Council.