Negotiation Basics
What is UA’s bargaining philosophy?
UA negotiates in good faith and works constructively with all of our bargaining units.
The University’s principles and goals for collective bargaining will support our mission as a comprehensive higher education system serving Alaska through instruction, research, and public service. In all our collective bargaining relationships, we will focus on achieving our mission by emphasizing the importance of:
- Quality
- Individual and institutional accountability
- Efficiency
- Flexibility
- Unity and diversity
- Our work environments.
We recognize that all our collective bargaining activities must occur within the constraints of our fiscal resources.
Steps in a Successful CBA Negotiation
AGWA is a newly formed bargaining unit, which means there is no current contract covering members. Today, the University's relationship with graduate student workers is covered by University and Board of Regents policies and procedures. Once negotiated and ratified and funded, this agreement will apply to all graduate student employees who meet eligibility criteria at all three of UA’s universities: UAA, UAF, and UAS.
1. Ground Rules Established
Before bargaining begins, UA and AGWA will establish ground rules to govern the negotiation process.
2. Negotiations Begin
Once a schedule is agreed to, negotiations begin on salaries, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment.
3. Tentative Agreement
A tentative agreement, or a handshake, occurs when the two parties reach an agreement. This is the precursor to seeking necessary approvals.
4. Membership Review
Once a tentative agreement is reached on all elements of the proposed CBA, the union presents the agreement to its eligible members for review and voting. Similarly, the University will present the agreement to the Board of Regents for its approval.
5. Ratification and Approvals
Once a tentative agreement is reached on all elements of the proposed CBA, the union presents the agreement to its eligible members for review and voting. Similarly, the University will present the agreement to the Board of Regents for its approval. For CBAs which require funding for employees, the CBA must be submitted to the Alaska Department of Administration for its approval and then must be submitted to the legislature for funding.
6. New Contract
Only once the CBA is ratified by the union and approved by the necessary parties and is fully funded may the CBA be implemented.
Contact University of Alaska Public Affairs
Journalists on deadlines can easily reach the Office of Public Affairs team by phone or email.
Contact: Jonathan Taylor, Director of Public Affairs
Phone: 1-907-786-1190
Email: jmtaylor9@alaska.edu