Utah’s HB 267: Public Sector Labor Union Amendments significantly weaken the protections of public employees, including public educators, firefighters, police officers, nurses, and others, by undermining our ability to collectively bargain and advocate for fair working conditions.
What is HB 267?
HB 267 is a Utah law passed by the Utah Legislature in February 2025 despite widespread public opposition. It limits the rights of public employee unions, restricting how we can advocate for the needs of public workers.
How HB 267 Hurts Public Workers and Utah Families
1. Eliminates Collective Bargaining Rights
What the Bill Does
HB 267 prohibits public employee unions from negotiating benefits, fair wages, and working conditions.
Why It Matters
Without collective bargaining, workers lose their most effective tool for advocating workplace improvements.
Safe working conditions and fair wages aren't just good for public workers—they lead to better services and safer communities for all Utahns.
2. Imposes Unfair Reporting Requirements
What the Bill Does
HB 267 requires unions to file extensive financial reports, despite existing transparent systems for managing political contributions through voluntary donations.
Why It Matters
These reporting mandates create unnecessary costs and confusion without increasing actual transparency.
The truth: Political actions are funded exclusively through voluntary contributions and already reported through dedicated, transparent committees.
3. Unfairly Targets the Utah Education Association (UEA)
What the Bill Does
HB 267 removes UEA employees from the Utah Retirement System (URS), while allowing other non-governmental organizations to remain.
Why It Matters
This bill places a financial burden on former educators working for the UEA.
Multiple organizations, like the Utah Association of Counties and the Utah League of Cities and Towns, remain in URS, even though they are not public employers. HB 267 singles out labor unions without justification.
4. Restricts Union Access to Workplace Advocacy
What the Bill Does
HB 267 limits unions' access to public workplaces, restricting their ability to advocate for and represent employees.
Why It Matters
Workers deserve representation on the job.
Restricting union access weakens employee protections and silences workers' voices. While casual workplace conversations remain legal during breaks, this bill reduces meaningful union support where it’s needed most.
5. Misleads on Liability Insurance
What the Bill Does
HB 267 offers a state-provided liability insurance option lacking unions' critical protections.
Why It Matters
The proposed insurance does not include:
- Free, comprehensive liability coverage
- Advocacy during employment disputes
Only union membership ensures full protection and support for educators facing workplace challenges.
