This week, Protect Utah Workers – an organization of 19 labor unions representing Utah’s fire fighters, police officers, nurses, teachers, and other workers – submitted over 320,000 signatures for a referendum to overturn Utah’s new anti-collective bargaining law.
The signatures were collected in just 30 days, making this the largest signature collection campaign in Utah’s history.
The total far exceeded the required threshold of 140,000, demonstrating the strong support workers have from voters across the state. The Professional Fire Fighters of Utah (PFFU) played a key role in helping secure the necessary signatures.
Earlier this year, the Utah legislature passed H.B. 267, the Public Sector Labor Union Amendments. The legislation stripped all Utah public employees of their right to engage in collective bargaining with their employers. Labor groups across the state pushed back immediately when the proposal was introduced, and worked tirelessly to shut it down in the legislature.
The PFFU and other unions attempted to negotiate with the bill’s proponents in search of an alternate path but talks ultimately broke down when the Utah Senate leadership ended discussions and moved the bill to the floor for an up-or-down vote. Governor Spencer Cox (R) eventually signed the bill into law on Feb. 14.
“When the Utah legislature took away fire fighters’ right to collectively bargain, they made it clear they care more about cheap political wins than the safety of their communities or the well-being of the fire fighters who rush toward danger to help their neighbors without hesitation,” said General President Edward Kelly. “I’m proud to see our Utah members standing up against this reckless law and fighting to protect their rights and their communities.”
While the signature collection was a huge show of force for workers across Utah, it is only step one in the ballot referendum process. Now, the Salt Lake County Clerk’s Office must verify the signatures, and ensure they total at least 8% of registered voters in at least 15 of the 29 Senate districts.
When the Utah legislature took away fire fighters’ right to collectively bargain, they made it clear they care more about cheap political wins than the safety of their communities or the well-being of the fire fighters who rush toward danger to help their neighbors without hesitation.
General President Edward Kelly
Once the Clerk verifies the signatures, opponents of the referendum will have 45 days to convince signers to remove their signatures.
However, with the signature count more than double the required amount, PFFU leaders are confident voters will have the opportunity to stand with the state’s workers next November.
“While the referendum requirements in Utah are daunting, all unions stepped up to meet and exceed the needed signatures. IAFF and PFFU members – and their dependents – made a strong and visible presence alongside the other unions, which undoubtedly led to the success over the last month. The citizens in turn showed us great support, and we greatly appreciate it,” said PFFU President Jack Tidrow.
If the signatures are verified, H.B. 267 will be put on hold until the November 2026 elections, when voters will have the final say on whether Utah workers retain their voice in the workplace.
