AY2026 UA Staff Unionization Efforts

What CAUSE-eligible employees should expect

February 6, 2026

What’s new: Early next week, UA will officially notify employees who are eligible to vote in the CAUSE union representation election that they are confirmed to be part of the unit.

What It Means: If you receive that confirmation email on Monday, it means that if the union is formed, you would be represented by the union - even if you vote “no” or do not vote in the election from March 18-31.

Why It Matters: Union representation is a significant decision, so Learn, Decide, and Vote. Make sure you understand the financial and workplace tradeoffs and how to cast your vote. 

Learn - Get the facts and understand what unionization would mean. 

For example, here are the facts to correct some common misconceptions we've seen over the last few weeks:

  • Employees may opt out of paying union dues, but cannot opt out of union representation if their position is covered. If you’re eligible and the union forms, you’re in, no exceptions.
  • Union elections are decided by a simple majority of votes cast, not by a majority of all eligible employees. In other words – if you’re eligible to vote but don’t, you’re letting everyone else decide for you.

Questions? Visit alaska.edu/ua-votes and click “Election Basics” to understand more.

Decide - Weigh the trade-offs, and decide what’s best for you.

  • Visit the “Myth vs. Fact” section of the website to dig into the details.
  • Remember: if a union forms, there would be one bargaining unit and one contract, with few, if any, individual exceptions.
  • Employment-related matters such as pay, benefits, and workplace rules would be negotiated between the union and UA. Many workplace issues would move from direct employee – manager conversations to more formal processes involving union representatives 

Vote - Cast your Ballot. 

  • Voting will be open from 9:00 AM on March 18 to 4:00 PM on March 31, 2026. Before the voting period, you’ll receive emailed instructions from the voting platform, Intelivote, to vote online or by phone. 
  • How is the election decided?
The election is decided by a simple majority of actual votes cast (50% + 1). Employees who do not vote are still affected by the outcome.

What Your Vote Means:

  • Voting “No” means you wish to keep your direct relationship with UA without union representation.
  • Voting “Yes” means you want the union to represent you, and you want the UAW to be that representative to bargain with UA on your behalf, and you will pay union dues by default.

Not voting? The result will still affect you. The election will be decided by the majority of eligible employees who cast a vote. Your vote is your voice, and you have a say in the outcome.

Don’t let this decision be made for you. Take action. Vote. And we encourage you to vote NO.

The bottom line: UA is committed to protecting the institution’s long-term strength. University leadership will continue to make decisions that reflect both our financial realities and our mission to serve Alaska.

Learn more: UA is committed to ensuring this process is fair, thorough and informed. 

  • If you have questions about salary increases, compensation practices, or the staff unionization process, visit alaska.edu/cause, or contact UA Labor Relations at ua-ler@alaska.edu.