"Workers of the world, awaken! Break your chains. Demand your rights." - Joe Hill
Joe Hill was a labor organizer who was convicted and sentenced to death for murder in Utah. His trial and subsequent death were incredibly controversial.
So, it’s fair to say Utah’s relationship with organized labor has been … complicated.
Utah is a right-to-work state, meaning workers cannot be required to join or financially support a union as a condition of employment. That can make organizing more difficult, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen.
When unions successfully negotiate better standards, they can help raise expectations for wages and working conditions across an industry. Better wages mean workers have more money to spend locally, while better benefits and greater job stability can make it easier for people to build lives and stay in their communities.
This Labor Day, here are some ways you can support organized local labor with your money and attention.
Small but Mighty Unions
Several smaller groups of employees in Utah have joined larger, national unions.
- Employees at Winco in South Salt Lake joined the local Teamsters 222. Winco is a local-ish grocery chain (the first location was in Boise) and is personally my favorite grocery store. Knowing the employees are able to collectively bargain makes me love it even more. And while you’re at it, here’s a list of union-made products on the grocery shelves.
- Utah ski resort employees paved the way for other mountain resort workers. In 2015, Park City ski patrollers joined the Communications Workers of America, and in 2022, Park City lift mechanics and electricians voted to unionize alongside them. Today, they're part of United Mountain Workers. In Utah, the union represents more than 200 Park City ski patrollers, roughly 50 lift mechanics and electricians, as well as ski patrollers at Solitude Resort.
Utah Building and Trades for Your Next Project
Choosing a union contractor means supporting skilled workers, fair wages, safer workplaces, and quality training, while investing your money in businesses that help strengthen Utah’s workforce and local economy. Save this list for your next project.
- IBEW 354 represents 3,000 electrical workers in Utah and has a directory for consumers.
- UA Local 140 represents Utah plumbers, pipefitters, and HVAC specialists.
- Contact Union Roofers Local 91 for a union roofer in Utah.
