Utah Bans Unions for Police, Other Public Workers from Collective Bargaining

Utah passed a controversial bill last week that bans collective bargaining for police and other public sector workers.

Gov. Spencer Cox signed the ban Friday as protests were held outside the Salt Lake City capitol, Reuters reports. The ban goes into effect July 1; after that, unions for police officers, firefighters and other public service workers will no longer be able to negotiate contracts on behalf of the employees they represent.

“Utah has long been known as a state that can work together to solve difficult issues," Cox said in a statement, according to The Associated Press. "I’m disappointed that in this case, the process did not ultimately deliver the compromise that at one point was on the table and that some stakeholders had accepted."

While federal law protects collective bargaining in the private sector, states create their own parameters for public employees. Opponents of the ban have said they are considering a citizen referendum option that would allow voters to decide on the ban in 2026, according to The Salt Lake Tribune.

“Looks like Utah will become the most anti-labor state in America,” said Jack Tidrow, president of state's firefighters union. “Pathetic.”