The Utah Education Association is proud to celebrate a major victory for public workers and the incredible strength of collective action.
On June 21, the lieutenant governor officially certified the referendum to repeal HB 267. With 251,262 verified signatures, far surpassing the 140,748 required, and the 8 percent threshold reached in 23 of Utah’s 29 Senate districts, UEA members and our allies have shown what’s possible when public workers unite with purpose and determination.
HB 267 was a clear attempt by anti-union politicians to silence public workers and strip away their rights. The bill was rushed through the legislative process in just a few weeks, despite overwhelming opposition from educators, firefighters, nurses and other public employees. Utahns deserve better. Decisions that impact public workers should be made by the people, not behind closed doors by politicians pushing their own agenda.
This win would not have been possible without the incredible commitment of UEA members.
“You stood in the rain, snow and heat. You gave up weekends, evenings and even spring break to gather signatures and educate voters,” said UEA President Renée Pinkney. “You showed up for your students, your colleagues and your communities, and you made history.”
Whether the referendum appears on the ballot in 2026 or sooner, one thing is certain: Utah’s public workers are ready. We are organized, energized and confident that voters will stand with us when the time comes.
Thank you for doing the work. Solidarity makes us strong and we’re just getting started!
