House panel backs bill on teacher associations

A bill that takes aim at giving all teacher associations in Utah equal footing was approved by the House Education Committee and would prohibit schools from "playing favorites" with any certain teacher organization.

SB56 would take "UEA" out of the term "UEA weekend," the traditional October weekend when the Utah Education Association, the state's largest teachers with 18,000 members, holds its annual convention.

Leaders from the Utah Council of Educators as well as the American Federation of Teachers said they have been denied access to educators in UEA-dominated districts.

Some districts leaders were concerned that it would muddle the collective bargaining process in school districts. But Sen. Mark Madsen, R-Lehi, sponsor of the bill, said districts could still select a single organization to negotiate with.

Laurie Fue, UTCE representative, said the bill will protect teachers from being unfairly coerced into one organization and allows teachers to be informed of what other resources and support is out there.

"They will be able to make the best choices for themselves," she said.