Utah’s HB 267: Public Sector Labor Union Amendments eliminates collective bargaining for public sector unions in Utah. It bars government employers—like school districts, city departments, fire stations, and police agencies—from recognizing unions as bargaining agents or entering into collective bargaining agreements. In short, it takes away the ability of public employees to negotiate as a group for things like safety gear, staffing levels, or fair wages.

It doesn’t ban unions outright. Teachers, firefighters, and cops can still be in one. However, under HB267, those unions can’t actually negotiate anything. Signing the referendum allows Utah voters to reconsider these harmful impacts and stand up for fair treatment for all Utah workers.

What is HB 267?

HB 267: Public Sector Labor Union Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Jordan Teuscher and Sen. Kirk Cullimore, is a new 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.

What is a Referendum?

A referendum is when citizens collect enough signatures to pause a law from going into effect and put it on the ballot for voters to decide. A referendum can only be run if a law passes with less than two-thirds support in each body (the House and Senate). If the Protect Utah Workers coalition gets enough verified signatures by April 14, HB 267 will be frozen and appear on the November 2026 ballot for citizens to vote on.

Lawmakers have made this process extremely difficult. It’s widely considered the most difficult in the country.

To qualify, referendum organizers must:

·       Collect over 141,000 valid signatures from active registered voters

·       Hit that 8% threshold in at least 15 of Utah’s 29 Senate districts

·       Do it all in 30 days

·       Collect every signature on paper, in person, using county-specific packets

·       Submit everything to county clerks for verification of each signature.

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, public 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. 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.

Why Sign the Referendum?

Signing the referendum means:

• Allows voters to decide what’s best for Utah after state politicians ignored our voice.

• Restoring effective advocacy and support that workers deserve.

• Collective bargaining provides better services for the entire community.

• Ending unfair targeting of educators and public employees.

Take Action Now!

Stand with Utah’s public workers. Sign the referendum to give voters the chance to repeal HB 267. Together, we can protect Utah workers, maintain local control and strengthen our communities.

Protect Utah Workers. Sign the Referendum Today!