People Meltdown Over Utah’s Latest Change To Labor Law

With the recent rollback of collective bargaining for public sector workers here in Utah signed into law, it has stirred up quite a dust storm. As an outsider peeking in, I find myself agreeing with both sides of the debate. 

What is Collective Bargaining?

Collective bargaining lets public employees—like teachers, firefighters, and police officers negotiate as a group for better wages and benefits. Workers join together in a union and negotiate with their employer to secure better pay, benefits, or working conditions.

Just as a team can achieve more by working together, employees can have a stronger voice when they negotiate collectively rather than individually. I believe having a collective voice helps level the playing field. 

Why is the State Rolling it Back?

In Utah, as in every other state, those unions have historically leaned blue and funneled dues into Democratic campaigns. In a state that leans conservative, this law could be perceived as a power play disguised as reform.

The problem with public sector collective bargaining is that government officials don’t bear the financial burden themselves, they use taxpayer money and may agree to costly deals to gain support, even if it creates financial strain for the public. 

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When Democrats secure more benefits for these workers, the cycle continues; more dues, more donations, more political influence. But now, with bargaining banned, that pipeline has been pinched off. Republicans, who dominate Utah’s legislature, will now see fewer union dollars flowing to their rivals. 

Is the a Better Way?

Developing a plan that allows public sector employees to have a collective voice while ensuring that those approving the terms aren’t personally benefiting could be a win-win.

One option would be to prevent government officials from negotiating with unions that contribute to their campaigns, reducing the incentive to approve costly deals purely for political gain. I’m sure there are many ways to address this fairly.