Public Employee Negotiation Amendments

42
34-20-15
34-20-16
34-20b-101
34-20b-102
34-20b-103
34-20b-104
34-20b-105
34-20b-106
34-20b-107
34-20b-108
34-20b-109
34-20b-110
34-20b-111
34-20b-112
34-20b-113
34-20b-114
34-20b-115
34-20b-116
34-20b-117
34-20b-118
34-20b-119
34-20b-120
34-20b-121
34-20b-122
34-20b-123
34-20b-124
34-20b-125
34-20b-126
0
Public Employee Negotiation Amendments
2026 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: David P. Hinkins
House Sponsor:
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This bill addresses collective bargaining for public employees.
Highlighted Provisions:
This bill:
defines terms;
establishes the Labor Relations Board (board);
describes the composition and duties of the board;
describes the entities the board may employ;
establishes the board's rulemaking authority;
authorizes the board to subpoena witnesses and administer oaths;
establishes who may serve as counsel for public employers and the board;
creates protections for public employees regarding self-organization;
allows a public employer to deduct an employee's dues for a collective bargaining unit
from an employee's pay;
requires that labor organizations represent employees without discrimination;
requires that the board investigate a petition on a representation question under certain
circumstances;
establishes criteria and the function of a representation election at the direction of the
board;
establishes who may represent a public employer in collective bargaining;
establishes management rights of a public employer;
establishes a duty to bargain collectively for both the public employer and an exclusive
representative;
describes what a collective bargaining agreement shall contain;
permits and describes the mediation of disputes relating to collective bargaining;
describes how to initiate fact finding relating to a dispute regarding collective bargaining;
establishes fact finding proceedings in a dispute related to collective bargaining;
allows arbitration for a dispute resulting from collective bargaining;
requires the board to establish an education course for fact finders and arbitrators;
describes an unfair labor practice of a public employer;
establishes the process by which an unfair labor practice is investigated and resolved;
establishes a hearing process for an unfair labor practice complaint hearing;
describes the process of the court enforcement and review of a board order;
prohibits police officers from engaging in strikes;
establishes criteria for mediation of a dispute under certain circumstances; and
establishes the criteria for arbitration under certain circumstances.
Money Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Utah Code Sections Affected:
ENACTS:
34-20-15
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20-16
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-101
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-102
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-103
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-104
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-105
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-106
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-107
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-108
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-109
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-110
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-111
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-112
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-113
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-114
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-115
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-116
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-117
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-118
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-119
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-120
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-121
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-122
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-123
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-124
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-125
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
34-20b-126
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
Section 1. Section
34-20-15
is enacted to read:
34-20-15
. Labor Relations Board.
(1)
(a)
There is created the Labor Relations Board consisting of the following members:
(i)
the commissioner of the Labor Commission; and
(ii)
subject to Subsection
(1)(b)
, four members appointed by the governor with the
advice and consent of the Senate, in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 24, Part 2,
Vacancies.
(b)
The governor's appointees shall include:
(i)
two representatives of employers who the governor shall select from a list of
nominations by organizations that advocate for employers; and
(ii)
two representatives of employees who the governor shall select from a list of
nominations by labor organizations.
(c)
The governor may remove, at any time, a member appointed under Subsection
(1)(b)

for:
(i)
inefficiency;
(ii)
neglect of duty; or
(iii)
malfeasance or malfeasance in office.
(d)
(i)
The governor and the Senate shall fill a vacancy in a position appointed under
Subsection
(1)(b)
in the same manner as the member creating the vacancy was
appointed.
(ii)
The individual appointed to fill the vacant position shall serve the unexpired term.
(2)
(a)
Except as provided in Subsection
(2)(b)
, the governor shall appoint each new
member or reappointed member for a four-year term.
(b)
The governor shall adjust, at the time of appointment or reappointment, the length of
terms to ensure that the terms of appointed members are staggered so that the
governor appoints or reappoints one member from Subsections
(1)(b)(i)
and
(1)(b)(ii)

every two years.
(3)
The commissioner of the Labor Commission shall serve as chair of the Labor Relations
Board.
(4)
A member of the board appointed under Subsection
(1)(b)
may not hold an elected
office in the government of the United States, this state or any other state, or of any
county government or municipal corporation within a state.
(5)
A member appointed under Subsection
(1)(b)
may not receive compensation or benefits
for the member's service, but may receive per diem and travel expenses in accordance
with:
(a)
Section
63A-3-106
;
(b)
Section
63A-3-107
; and
(c)
rules made by the Division of Finance in accordance with Sections
63A-3-106
and
63A-3-107
.
(6)
A meeting of the Labor Relations Board may be called:
(a)
by the chair; or
(b)
unanimously by the members appointed under Subsection
(1)(b)
.
(7)
The chair may provide staff and administrative support as necessary from the Labor
Commission.
(8)
A vacancy on the Labor Relations Board does not impair the right of the remaining
members to exercise all the powers of the Labor Relations Board.
(9)
Two members of the Labor Relations Board constitute a quorum.
(10)
A member of the Labor Relations Board shall comply with the conflict of interest
provisions described in Title 63G, Chapter 24, Part 3, Conflicts of Interest.
Section 2. Section
34-20-16
is enacted to read:
34-20-16
. Labor Relations Board -- Employees -- Agencies -- Expenses.
(1)
As used in this section, "board" means the Labor Relations Board established in Section
34-20-15
.
(2)
The board may employ an executive secretary, attorneys, examiners, and other
employees the board deems necessary for the proper performance of the board's duties.
(3)
As needed to carry out the board's duties, the board may:
(a)
establish or utilize regional, local, or other agencies; and
(b)
use voluntary and uncompensated services.
(4)
At the direction of the board, an attorney employed under this section may appear for
and represent the board in any case in court.
(5)
Nothing in this chapter authorizes the board to employ individuals for the purpose of
conciliation or mediation if the board may obtain substantially similar service from the
Labor Commission.
(6)
The board shall pay the expenses, including necessary travel expenses, incurred by the
members of the board or employees of the board upon presentation of itemized receipts
approved by the board.
Section 3. Section
34-20b-101
is enacted to read:
20b.
Utah Public Employees Negotiations Act
34-20b-101
. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
"Appropriate unit" means a group of public employees banded together for collective
bargaining purposes as designated by the board.
(2)
"Board" means the Labor Relations Board established in Section
34-20-15
.
(3)
"Confidential employee" means an individual:
(a)
who the board finds is a confidential labor relations employee; and
(b)
who is employed in government service and acts with discretionary authority in the
creation or revision of state classification specifications.
(4)
"Exclusive representative" means the labor organization that:
(a)
the board designates as the representative of public employees in an appropriate unit;
or
(b)
the public employer formally recognizes.
(5)
"Labor dispute" means a controversy, between an employer and the majority of the
employer's employees in an appropriate unit, concerning:
(a)
the right, process, or details of collective bargaining; or
(b)
the designation of a representative.
(6)
"Labor organization" means an organization, agency, or employee representation
committee or plan:
(a)
in which a public employee participates; and
(b)
that exists for the purpose, in whole or in part, of dealing with an employer
concerning:
(i)
grievances;
(ii)
labor disputes;
(iii)
rates of pay;
(iv)
hours of employment; or
(v)
conditions of work.
(7)
"Management official" means a representative of management with authority to act for a
state agency on any matters relating to the implementation of agency policy.
(8)
(a)
"Public employee" means:
(i)
an individual currently employed by a public employer in any capacity; and
(ii)
an individual that is no longer employed by a public employer because of or in
connection with an unfair labor practice or concerted employee action.
(b)
"Public employee" does not include:
(i)
a fire fighter, as that term is defined in Section
34-20a-2
;
(ii)
an elected official;
(iii)
a person directly appointed by the governor;
(iv)
a supervisory employee;
(v)
a management official;
(vi)
a confidential employee;
(vii)
an appointed member of a state board or commission who does not receive
compensation;
(viii)
a school administrator; or
(ix)
an intern.
(9)
(a)
"Public employer" means:
(i)
a state agency, department, division, bureau, board, commission, council,
authority, educational institution, or any other body in the executive branch of
state government;
(ii)
the legislative branch of state government;
(iii)
the judicial branch of state government;
(iv)
a county, city, town, regional governing body, council, school district, special
district, special service district, municipal corporation, board, department,
commission, or council; or
(v)
any other body created by state or local authority.
(b)
"Public employer" does not include an organization that has entered into a labor
agreement or labor protective agreement under the Urban Mass Transportation Act,
49 U.S.C. Sec. 5333(b).
(10)
"Supervisory employee" means an individual with the authority:
(a)
on a regular, recurring basis while acting in the interest of the employer to hire,
transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward, or discipline
other employees; or
(b)
to recommend the actions described in Subsection
(10)(a)
if the recommendation is
not routine or clerical in nature and requires the use of independent judgment.
Section 4. Section
34-20b-102
is enacted to read:
34-20b-102
. Legislative authority -- Rulemaking authority.
(1)
This chapter does not limit the authority of the Legislature, any political subdivision, or
the legislative body of a public employer to appropriate for salary and wages, hours,
fringe benefits, and other conditions of employment.
(2)
The board shall adopt, amend, or rescind any rules the board considers necessary to
carry out the provisions of this chapter.
Section 5. Section
34-20b-103
is enacted to read:
34-20b-103
. Administrative Procedures
Act applicable -- Conduct of hearing.
(1)
The board shall conduct a hearing or appeal under this chapter in accordance with the
appropriate provisions of Title 63G, Chapter 4, Administrative Procedures Act.
(2)
The board, with the consent of all necessary parties, may conduct a hearing or appeal
under this chapter by telephone or video conference.
Section 6. Section
34-20b-104
is enacted to read:
34-20b-104
. Board authorized to subpoena witnesses and administer oaths --
Counsel for parties to litigation.
(1)
The board may subpoena witnesses and administer oaths and affirmations to accomplish
the objectives and carry out the duties required by this chapter.
(2)
If a person neglects or refuses to obey a subpoena issued in accordance with Subsection
(1)
, a court with jurisdiction may issue an order requiring that person to appear before
the board or an agent of the board to produce evidence or give testimony regarding the
matter under investigation.
(3)
The board may issue a subpoena, notice of hearing or other process, or notice of the
board issued in accordance with this chapter by:
(a)
sending the subpoena, notice of hearing, or other process or notice of the board
through United States mail; or
(b)
if the parties agree, electronic mail.
(4)
In an action brought under this chapter in a court of this state:
(a)
the attorney general or attorney of a political subdivision shall represent the public
employer; and
(b)
counsel hired to represent the board for purposes of the action shall represent the
board.
Section 7. Section
34-20b-105
is enacted to read:
34-20b-105
. Existing collective bargaining agreements not affected.
Nothing in this chapter revokes an established collective bargaining agreement that is
recognized or in existence before May 7, 2025.
Section 8. Section
34-20b-106
is enacted to read:
34-20b-106
. Public employees protected in right of self-organization.
Public employees are protected from interference, restraint, or coercion in the exercise
of the right:
(1)
to self-organize;
(2)
to form, join, or assist any labor organization;
(3)
to bargain collectively through representatives of the public employees' choosing on
questions of:
(a)
wages;
(b)
hours;
(c)
fringe benefits; and
(d)
other conditions of employment; and
(4)
to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other
mutual aid or protection.
Section 9. Section
34-20b-107
is enacted to read:
34-20b-107
. Board to determine appropriate unit -- Factors to be considered.
(1)
To ensure public employees the rights described in Section
34-20b-106
, the board or an
agent of the board shall:
(a)
decide the appropriate unit for the purpose of collective bargaining; and
(b)
when deciding the appropriate unit in accordance with Subsection
(1)(a)
, consider
the following factors:
(i)
communities of interest;
(ii)
wages;
(iii)
hours;
(iv)
fringe benefits;
(v)
other working conditions of the employees involved;
(vi)
common supervision;
(vii)
common personnel policies;
(viii)
extent of integration of work functions and interchange among public
employees affected; and
(ix)
the desires of the public employees.
(2)
If a state agency or facility of a state agency is reorganized to the extent that the
reorganization results in substantial changes to the factors listed in Subsection
(1)
, the
public employer representative may petition the board to make a new decision of the
appropriate unit for the purpose of collective bargaining.
(3)
If the board makes a new decision of an appropriate unit as described in Subsection
(2)
,
the board shall consider the consequences of the reorganization on each position in the
affected state agency or facility.
(4)
Unless the board receives a petition to consider a collective bargaining unit that the
board did not designate as an appropriate unit before the reorganization described in
Subsection
(2)
, the board may not choose a labor organization that the board did not
designate to represent employees of the affected state agency or facility at the time the
reorganization became effective.
Section 10. Section
34-20b-108
is enacted to read:
34-20b-108
. Deduction of dues from employee's pay.
Upon written authorization of any public employee within a collective bargaining unit, a
public employer shall:
(1)
deduct from the public employee's pay the employee's monthly dues as certified by the
secretary of the exclusive representative; and
(2)
deliver the dues to the treasurer of the exclusive representative.
Section 11. Section
34-20b-109
is enacted to read:
34-20b-109
. Designated labor organizations to represent employees without
discrimination -- Rights and safeguards guaranteed.
(1)
A labor organization designated in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall
represent the interests of all public employees in the collective bargaining unit without
discrimination for the purpose of collective bargaining with respect to:
(a)
rates of pay;
(b)
hours;
(c)
fringe benefits; and
(d)
other conditions of employment.
(2)
The board shall extend or continue designation or recognition as an exclusive
representative to a labor organization if the labor organization's:
(a)
written bylaws provide for and guarantee the rights and safeguards described in
Subsection
(3)
; and
(b)
practices conform to the rights and safeguards described in Subsection
(3)
.
(3)
The rights and safeguards of a public employee represented by a labor organization are:
(a)
democratic organization and procedures;
(b)
elections conducted in accordance with adequate standards established by the board;
(c)
controls for the regulation of officers and agents that have a fiduciary duty to the
organization; and
(d)
sound accounting and fiscal controls, including annual audits.
(4)
The board shall hear and make a determination for any dispute arising from a
determination made in accordance with Subsection
(2)
.
Section 12. Section
34-20b-110
is enacted to read:
34-20b-110
. Petition on representation question -- Investigation by board --
Hearing.
(1)
The board or an agent of the board shall:
(a)
investigate a petition described in Section
34-20b-107
; and
(b)
if the board or agent of the board has reasonable cause to believe that a question of
representation exists, provide, in accordance with a rule made by the board, for an
appropriate hearing upon notice that a petition has been filed:
(i)
by an employee or group of employees or any labor organization acting on behalf
of the employee or group of employees alleging that at least 30% of the
employees:
(A)
wish to be represented for collective bargaining by a labor organization as the
employees' exclusive representation; or
(B)
assert that the labor organization that the board designated as the exclusive
representative or the public employer currently recognizes as the bargaining
representative is no longer the representative of the majority of employees in
the unit; or
(ii)
by the public employer alleging that one or more labor organizations have
presented to the public employer a claim to be recognized as the exclusive
representative in an appropriate unit.
(2)
In the hearing described in Subsection
(1)(b)
, the board is not bound by common law,
the Utah Rules of Evidence, nor the Federal Rules of Evidence.
Section 13. Section
34-20b-111
is enacted to read:
34-20b-111
. Representation election at direction of the board.
(1)
If the board or an agent of the board, in the hearing described in Section
34-20b-110
,
finds that a question of representation exists, the board or an agent of the board shall
hold an election by secret ballot where the employees involved in the hearing may
decide:
(a)
whether the employees desire that a labor organization represent the employees; and
(b)
if, in accordance with Subsection
(1)(a)
, the employees desire that a labor
organization represent the employees, which labor organization the employees want
to represent the employees.
(2)
The board or an agent of the board shall certify the results of the election described in
Subsection
(1)
.
(3)
For a labor organization to appear on the ballot in the election described in Subsection
(1)
, at least 10% of employees in the appropriate unit shall indicate to the board that the
labor organization is the employees' choice of labor organization before the election
occurs.
(4)
The board or an agent of the board shall:
(a)
determine the eligibility to vote in the election described in Subsection
(1)
; and
(b)
establish rules governing the election described in Subsection
(1)
.
(5)
(a)
The board or an agent of the board shall conduct a runoff election if no choice for
a representative on the ballot in the election described in Subsection
(1)
receives a
majority of the votes cast.
(b)
In the runoff election described in Subsection
(5)(a)
, the board or an agent of the
board shall place on the ballot the two choices that received the highest amount of
votes in the election described in Subsection
(1)
.
(6)
The board or agent of the board shall certify a labor organization that receives the
majority of the votes in an election or a runoff election as the exclusive representative.
(7)
Nothing in this section or Section
34-20b-110
prohibits the waiving of hearings by
stipulation for the purpose of a consent election in conformity with the rules of the board.
(8)
An election conducted under this section may not occur within a bargaining unit or any
subdivision of the bargaining unit if the bargaining unit or the subdivision of the
bargaining unit has held a valid election within the previous 12 months.
Section 14. Section
34-20b-112
is enacted to read:
34-20b-112
. Representative of public employer.
The governor of the state, the governing body of a political subdivision, the
commissioner of higher education, or the designated authorized representative shall represent
the public employer in collective bargaining with an exclusive representative.
Section 15. Section
34-20b-113
is enacted to read:
34-20b-113
. Management rights of public employers.
Public employees and the public employees' representatives shall recognize the
prerogative of a public employer to operate and manage the public employer's affairs in areas
that involve:
(1)
directing an employee;
(2)
hiring, promoting, transferring, assigning, and retaining an employee; and
(3)
relieving an employee from duties due to:
(a)
lack of work or funds; or
(b)
conditions where continuation of the employee's work would be inefficient and
nonproductive.
Section 16. Section
34-20b-114
is enacted to read:
34-20b-114
. Duty to bargain collectively -- Good faith requirement.
(1)
The public employer and the exclusive representative, through an appropriate official or
the appropriate official's representative, have the authority and the duty to bargain
collectively in good faith as described in Subsection
(2)
.
(2)
For purposes of this chapter, collective bargaining occurs when a public employer or the
public employer's representative and the representative of the exclusive representative:
(a)
meet at reasonable times and negotiate in good faith with respect to:
(i)
wages;
(ii)
hours;
(iii)
fringe benefits; and
(iv)
other conditions of employment; or
(b)
negotiate, in good faith, an agreement or any question that arises under the
agreement and execute a written contract incorporating the negotiated agreement.
(3)
Nothing in this section requires either party to a collective bargaining process to:
(a)
agree to a proposal made by the other party; or
(b)
make a concession.
(4)
(a)
When the state government is a party to collective bargaining, the parties may
meet the requirement of negotiating in good faith described in Subsection
(2)(b)
by
submitting a negotiated settlement to the Legislature in the executive budget or by a
bill or joint resolution.
(b)
The failure of the parties to comply with Subsection
(4)(a)
does not constitute, by
itself, prima facie evidence of a failure to negotiate in good faith.
(5)
Nothing in this chapter requires a board of trustees to bargain collectively upon a matter
other than a matter specified in Subsection
(2)
.
Section 17. Section
34-20b-115
is enacted to read:
34-20b-115
. Collective bargaining agreement.
(1)
A public employer and an exclusive representative, upon reaching an agreement in
accordance with Section
34-20b-114
, shall:
(a)
reduce the agreement to writing; and
(b)
sign the agreement.
(2)
An agreement may contain a grievance procedure culminating in a final and binding
arbitration of an unresolved grievance or a disputed interpretation of the agreement.
(3)
The public employer and a labor organization shall ensure that an agreement between
the public employer and a labor organization is valid and enforceable.
Section 18. Section
34-20b-116
is enacted to read:
34-20b-116
. Mediation of disputes -- Initiation of fact finding -- Designation of
fact finder.
(1)
If, after a reasonable period of negotiation over the terms of an agreement or upon
expiration of an existing collective bargaining agreement, a dispute concerning the
collective bargaining agreement arises between the public employer and a labor
organization, the parties shall request mediation.
(2)
If, upon expiration of an existing collective bargaining agreement or 30 days following
certification or recognition of an exclusive representative, a dispute concerning the
collective bargaining agreement arises between the employer and the exclusive
representative, either the employer or the exclusive representative may petition the board
to initiate fact finding.
(3)
(a)
Within three days of receiving the petition described in Subsection
(2)
, the board
shall submit to the parties a list of five qualified, disinterested individuals from which
the parties shall alternate in striking two names.
(b)
The remaining individual, after the process described in Subsection
(3)(a)
, is the
designated fact finder.
(4)
The parties shall, within five days of receiving the list described in Subsection
(3)(a)
:
(a)
complete the petition described in Subsection
(2)
; and
(b)
notify the board of the designated fact finder.
(5)
If neither party makes a request for fact finding, before the expiration of the agreement
or 30 days following certification or recognition of an exclusive representative, the
board may initiate fact finding as provided in Subsection
(2)
.
Section 19. Section
34-20b-117
is enacted to read:
34-20b-117
. Fact finding proceedings.
(1)
As used in this section, "fact finder" means the individual designated to conduct fact
finding under Section
34-20b-116
.
(2)
The fact finder shall, immediately after the parties designate the individual as a fact
finder, establish the dates and places of hearings.
(3)
For the hearings described in Subsection
(2)
:
(a)
the public employer and exclusive representative are the only proper parties to a
hearing;
(b)
upon request of either the public employer or the exclusive representative, the board
shall issue a subpoena for a hearing conducted by the fact finder; and
(c)
the fact finder may administer oaths.
(4)
Upon completion of the hearings described in Subsection
(2)
, but no later than 20 days
from the day on which the fact finder is designated as a fact finder, the fact finder shall:
(a)
make written findings of facts and recommendations for resolution of the dispute; and
(b)
serve the findings on the public employer and exclusive representative.
(5)
The fact finder may make the written findings described in Subsection
(4)(a)
public five
days after the day on which the fact finder submits the findings to the public employer
and exclusive representative.
(6)
If the public employer and exclusive representative do not resolve the dispute within 15
days after the day on which the fact finder submits the report to the parties, the fact
finder shall make the report public.
(7)
(a)
When a party to a dispute initiates fact finding proceedings, all parties to a fact
finding dispute shall equally bear the cost of the fact finding proceedings.
(b)
When the board initiates fact finding proceedings, the board and the parties shall
equally bear the cost of the fact finding proceedings.
(8)
Nothing in this chapter prohibits a fact finder from mediating a dispute in which the fact
finder is appointed.
Section 20. Section
34-20b-118
is enacted to read:
34-20b-118
. Arbitration not prohibited.
(1)
Nothing in this chapter prohibits a public employer and exclusive representative from
agreeing to submit a dispute to a final and binding arbitration.
(2)
If a public employer and exclusive representative agree to submit a dispute to
arbitration, the arbitration agreement supersedes the fact finding provisions described in
Sections
34-20b-116
and
34-20b-117
.
(3)
An agreement to arbitrate and any award resulting from arbitration is enforceable in the
same manner in which a collective bargaining agreement is enforceable under this
chapter.
Section 21. Section
34-20b-119
is enacted to read:
34-20b-119
. Training of fact finders and arbitrators.
(1)
The board shall establish an education course to train fact finders and arbitrators.
(2)
An individual shall,
before serving as a fact finder or an arbitrator under this chapter,
successfully complete the education course described in Subsection
(1)
.
Section 22. Section
34-20b-120
is enacted to read:
34-20b-120
. Unfair labor practices of public employer.
(1)
It is an unfair labor practice for a public employer to:
(a)
interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees that are exercising the rights guaranteed
in Section
34-20b-106
;
(b)
dominate, interfere, or assist in the formation or administration of a labor
organization;
(c)
discriminate in regard to hiring or offering tenure of employment, or any term or
condition of employment, with the intent to encourage or discourage membership in a
labor organization;
(d)
discharge or otherwise discriminate against an employee because the employee has:
(i)
signed or filed an affidavit, petition, or complaint; or
(ii)
given any information or testimony under this chapter; or
(e)
refuse to bargain collectively in good faith with an exclusive representative.
(2)
Nothing in this section prohibits an employer from permitting employees to confer with
the employer during working hours without loss of time or pay.
(3)
The board has authority to remedy a violation of this section.
Section 23. Section
34-20b-121
is enacted to read:
34-20b-121
. Unfair labor practice complaint -- Investigation -- Notice of hearing
-- Service -- Answer.
(1)
When the board receives a complaint alleging that a person has engaged in or is
engaging in an unfair labor practice, the board shall:
(a)
issue and serve a copy of the complaint on the party alleged to have engaged in an
unfair labor practice; and
(b)
provide the party an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
(2)
After receiving the party's response to the allegations described in Subsection
(1)(b)
, an
agent designated by the board shall investigate the alleged unfair labor practice.
(3)
(a)
If, after the investigation described in Subsection
(2)
, the agent that the board
designates determines that the allegation has no probable merit, the board shall issue
and cause to be served on the complaining party and the opposing party indicated in
the allegation notice of the board's intention to dismiss the complaint.
(b)
A dismissal by the board becomes a final order of the board unless either party
requests a review of the decision to dismiss the complaint.
(c)
A party making a request for review described in Subsection
(3)(b)
shall make the
request within 10 days of receipt of the notice of intention to dismiss described in
Subsection
(3)(a)
.
(d)
If a party requests a review, the board may uphold the board's decision to dismiss the
complaint, or in accordance with Subsection
(4)
, schedule a meeting on the merits of
the complaint.
(e)
If the board upholds the board's decision to dismiss the complaint, the dismissal
becomes the final order of the board.
(4)
If, after investigation or after the review described in Subsection
(3)
, the board
determines probable merit exists for the allegation, the board shall issue and serve upon
the complaining party and the opposing party indicated in the allegation a notice of
hearing:
(a)
that states:
(i)
whether the hearing is before the board, a member of the board, or before a
designated agent of the board; and
(ii)
the time and place the hearing will occur; and
(b)
at least five business days before the day on which the hearing will occur.
(5)
If a hearing is to be held, the opposing party indicated in the allegation shall file an
answer to the complaint.
(6)
(a)
Each party to an unfair labor practice proceeding has the right to disqualify,
without cause, the hearing examiner designated by the board to hear the complaint.
(b)
A party exercising the right under Subsection
(6)(a)
:
(i)
may exercise the right only once; and
(ii)
shall exercise the right within five days from the day on which the board notifies
the party of the hearing examiner the board designates to hear the matter.
(7)
The complaining party may amend the complaining party's complaint at any time, if the
opposing party indicated in the complaint is not unfairly prejudiced by the amendment.
Section 24. Section
34-20b-122
is enacted to read:
34-20b-122
. Hearing on unfair labor practice complaint -- Findings -- Order.
(1)
As used in this section, "hearing" means a hearing initiated by a complaint in Section
34-20b-121
.
(2)
In a hearing, both the complaining party and the opposing party indicated in the
allegation shall:
(a)
be parties to the hearing; and
(b)
appear in person at the time and place described in the notice of hearing.
(3)
In a hearing, the board is not bound by the Utah Rules of Evidence, nor the Federal
Rules of Evidence.
(4)
The board or the board's agent shall reduce to writing the testimony that the board or the
board's agent takes to file and maintain that testimony.
(5)
If, upon preponderance of the testimony taken, the board determines that a person
named in the complaint has engaged in or is engaging in an unfair labor practice, the
board shall:
(a)
state the board's findings of fact; and
(b)
issue and cause to be served on the person an order that the person:
(i)
cease and desist from the unfair labor practice; and
(ii)
take action, including reinstatement of employees with or without backpay, that
will effectuate the policies of this chapter.
(6)
The order described in Subsection
(5)
(b):
(a)
may further require the person that has engaged in or is engaging in an unfair labor
practice to make reports showing the extent to which the person has complied with
the chapter; and
(b)
may not require the reinstatement of an individual as an employee if the individual
has engaged in or is engaging in an unfair labor practice or was suspended or
discharged for cause.
(7)
If, upon preponderance of the testimony taken, the board determines that a person
named in the complaint has not engaged in or is not engaging in an unfair labor practice,
the board shall:
(a)
state the board's findings of fact; and
(b)
issue an order dismissing the complaint.
(8)
If the evidence is presented before a member of the board or before an examiner
designated by the board to hear a complaint, the member of the board or the examiner
shall:
(a)
issue and cause to be served on the parties to the proceeding a proposed decision and
a recommended order; and
(b)
file the proposed decision and recommended order with the board within 20 days
after the day on which the member of the board or examiner serves the proposed
decision and recommended order on the parties.
(9)
If no party objects to the proposed decision and recommended order described in
Subsection
(8)
, the recommended order becomes the final decision of the board.
(10)
(a)
The board or the complaining party shall file a record of the hearing and the
board's order in a court with jurisdiction.
(b)
Until the board or the complaining party files a record of a proceeding in a court with
jurisdiction, the board may, at any time, upon reasonable notice and in a manner the
court determines proper, modify or set aside, in whole or in part, any finding or order
made or issued by the board.
Section 25. Section
34-20b-123
is enacted to read:
34-20b-123
. Court enforcement and review of board order.
(1)
As used in this section, "board order" means an order issued in accordance with Section
34-20b-122
.
(2)
The board or a complaining party may petition for the enforcement of a board order and
for appropriate injunctive relief.
(3)
The court shall, within 20 days from the day on which the board or complaining party
files a petition in accordance with Subsection
(2)
, serve the opposing party named in the
complaint a notice of hearing at least 20 days before the day on which the hearing will
occur.
(4)
The court may not consider an objection that has not been previously raised or
considered before the board unless the failure to consider the objection resulted from
extraordinary circumstances.
(5)
The court shall consider the findings of the board, if the findings are supported by
substantial evidence, as conclusive.
(6)
(a)
If either party petitions the court to present additional evidence and the court
determines the additional evidence is material to the dispute and reasonable grounds
existed for the failure to present the evidence at the hearing before the board, the
court may order a party to present the additional evidence before the board and be
part of the board's record.
(b)
The board may modify the board's findings as a result of the additional evidence that
a party files as described in Subsection
(6)(a)
and, if the board modifies the board's
findings, the board shall file the modified findings with a court with jurisdiction.
(7)
After a hearing, the court shall issue the court's order granting relief the court
determines proper, including modifying or setting aside, in whole or in part, the board
order.
(8)
The commencement of a proceeding under this section does not operate as a stay of the
board order, unless a court orders otherwise.
Section 26. Section
34-20b-124
is enacted to read:
34-20b-124
. Strikes by police officers prohibited.
(1)
As used in this section:
(a)
"Police officer" means a full-time, salaried member of any regularly constituted
police department in any city, town, or county.
(b)
(i)
"Strike" means a police officer taking an action listed in Subsection (1)(b), in
concerted action with others, for the purpose of inducing, influencing, or coercing
a change in the conditions of employment, compensation, rights, privileges, or
obligations of employment.
(ii)
"Strike" includes:
(A)
refusal to report for duty;
(B)
willful absence from the police officer's position;
(C)
stoppage of work; or
(D)
departure from the full, faithful, or proper performance of duties of
employment.
(2)
For bargaining units that contain a police officer, each collective bargaining agreement
shall contain a clause that prohibits police officers from engaging in a strike.
Section 27. Section
34-20b-125
is enacted to read:
34-20b-125
. Mediation of disputes -- Appointment of fact finder.
(1)
(a)
If, after 150 days of good faith negotiation over the terms of a collective
bargaining agreement or 150 days after the day of certification or recognition of an
exclusive representative, the parties to a dispute have not signed an agreement, either
or both of the parties may notify the board of the status of the negotiations and the
need for a mediator.
(b)
Notwithstanding Subsection
(1)(a)
, the parties may request a mediator before the end
of the 150-day period.
(c)
The 150-day period described in Subsection
(1)(a)
begins when the parties meet for
the first bargaining session and each party has received the other party's initial
proposal.
(d)
Upon notice from either or both of the parties, the board shall appoint a mediator and
notify the parties of the appointment.
(2)
(a)
After 15 days of mediation, either party may declare an impasse.
(b)
A mediator may declare an impasse at any time during the mediation process.
(c)
The party or mediator declaring an impasse shall file a notification of impasse with
the board.
(3)
(a)
Within seven days after the day on which a party or the mediator declares an
impasse, each party shall submit to the mediator a final written offer of the party,
including a cost summary of the offer.
(b)
Within seven days after the day on which the mediator receives each final written
offer, the mediator shall make public the final written offers, including any proposed
contract language and each party's cost summary addressing the issues on which the
parties failed to reach an agreement.
(c)
The mediator, in making the final written offers public, shall title each proposed
language "Final Offer."
(4)
Within 30 days after the day on which the mediator makes the final written offers
public, the parties may agree to and jointly petition the board to appoint a fact finder in
accordance with Section
34-20b-116
.
(5)
If the parties do not reach an agreement within 30 days after the day on which the
mediator makes the final written offers public, or if the parties participated in fact
finding, within 30 days after the receipt of the fact finder's report, either party may
petition the board for binding arbitration.
(6)
The petition described in Subsection
(5)
shall include a copy of each party's final written
offer.
Section 28. Section
34-20b-126
is enacted to read:
34-20b-126
. Arbitration.
(1)
After either party submits a petition for arbitration under Section
34-20b-125
, the
parties shall schedule arbitration no earlier than 30 days after the day on which either
party submits the petition for arbitration.
(2)
(a)
After receipt of the petition for arbitration, the board shall submit a list of five
qualified, disinterested, and unbiased individuals to the parties.
(b)
Upon receipt of the board's list, the parties shall alternate in striking a name from the
list, with each party striking two names.
(c)
The parties shall determine the order of striking names by a coin toss.
(d)
The remaining name, after both parties strike two names, is the arbitrator.
(e)
If the parties have not designated the arbitrator and notified the board of the parties'
choice within five days after the day on which the parties receive the list, the board
shall appoint an arbitrator from the list.
(3)
(a)
Within 14 days before the day on which a hearing will occur, each party shall
submit to the other party a written last best offer on all unresolved subjects.
(b)
A party, after submitting a last best offer to the other party, may not change the
contents of the last best offer.
(4)
The arbitrator:
(a)
shall:
(i)
set the date, time, and place of a hearing conducted under this section;
(ii)
decide the unresolved mandatory subjects contained in each party's last best offer;
(iii)
base findings and opinions on the following criteria:
(A)
the interest and welfare of the public;
(B)
the reasonable financial ability of the unit of government to meet the costs of
the proposed contract, giving consideration and weight to the other services
provided by the unit of government, as determined by the governing body of
the unit of government;
(C)
the ability of the unit of government to attract and retain qualified personnel at
the wage and benefit levels provided;
(D)
the overall compensation presently received by the public employee,
including direct wage compensation, holiday pay, other paid excused time,
insurance, and all other direct or indirect monetary benefits;
(E)
comparison of the overall compensation of other public employees in
comparable communities with similar populations in this state;
(F)
inflation;
(G)
the stipulations of the parties; and
(H)
other factors that are traditionally taken into consideration in the
determination of wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment;
and
(iv)
afford each party the opportunity to examine and cross-examine all witnesses and
to present evidence relevant to the dispute; and
(b)
may:
(i)
issue a subpoena related to the arbitration under this section; and
(ii)
administer oaths.
(5)
Within 30 days after the day on which the hearings conclude, or an additional period
agreed upon by the parties, the arbitrator shall:
(a)
select one of the last best offers submitted by the parties and make written findings
and an opinion and order;
(b)
serve the opinion and order on the parties and board by personal delivery or by
certified mail; and
(c)
base the opinion and order on the criteria described in Subsection
(4)(a)(iii)
.
(6)
(a)
The opinion and order of the arbitrator are final and binding on the parties.
(b)
The board shall issue an order containing the arbitrator's opinion and order.
(c)
A party that fails to comply with the board's order described in this Subsection
(6)

commits an unfair labor practice.
(d)
A party may enforce an order issued by the board under this Subsection
(6)
by
bringing an action in a court with jurisdiction.
Section 29.
Effective Date.
This bill takes effect on
May 6, 2026
.
2-4-26 8:28 AM