Utah Republicans take aim at teachers unions amid political clash over education

Utah lawmakers have advanced a bill that experts say would establish one of the most restrictive labor laws in the country. Republicans are seeking to curb the political influence of unions serving teachers and other public service professionals. The GOP proposal advanced Thursday would ban collective bargaining across all of Utah’s public sectors. It would bar labor unions from negotiating on behalf of workers for better wages and working conditions. Many educators view the bill as a way for Republicans to weaken teachers unions and clear a path for their own education agenda. The bill's Republican sponsor says it would let employers engage directly with employees when addressing workplace concerns.