salt lake city — Utah repealed a Prohibition of collective bargaining Passed earlier this year barred labor unions serving teachers, firefighters, police and other public employees from negotiating on behalf of their workers.
Republican Gov. Spencer Cox on Thursday agreed to rescind the policy called for by experts One of the most restrictive labor laws In the country.
The Republican-controlled state Legislature originally approved the policy in February, saying it was necessary to allow employers to deal directly with all employees, rather than communicating through a union representative. Thousands of union members from the public and private sectors rallied outside Cox’s office for a week, urging him to veto the bill, which he decided to sign.
The pushback continued in the months following the law’s passage, with the Legislature ultimately deciding to reverse it during a special session this month.
Republican state Rep. Jordan Tauscher, the original House sponsor, said the repeal “allows us to step back, lower the temperature and make room for a clearer and more constructive conversation.”
He asserted that it was “good politics” that was “overshadowed by misinformation and unnecessary division.”
The decision comes as Utah Republicans prepare to defend their four seats in the US House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections under a new congressional map. Creates a heavily Democratic-leaning district In the Salt Lake City area.
The repeal helps Republicans appease many police officers and firefighters — groups that often lean conservative — who have been frustrated by the ban.
State employees are still allowed to join unions by law, but unions cannot formally negotiate on their behalf for better wages and working conditions.
a lot General educatorsthe most frequent users of collective bargaining in the state, viewed the policy as a way for Republicans to weaken teachers unions and pave the way for their education agenda.
Teachers unions have been vocal opponents of Republican policies in Utah and other states where lawmakers have sought to overturn them Diversity, equity and inclusion programsexpands School choice Vouchers and restrictions Transgender bathroom use and Sports participation In schools.
Union leaders celebrated the repeal and the work of their members who mobilized opposition to the law.
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, and Brad Asay, president of the Utah chapter, called the repeal “a historic step in the right direction to restore respect and dignity to Utah workers.”