AY2026 UA Staff Unionization Efforts

Correcting Misinformation: Union Elections, Representation Status, and FY27 Salary Increases

March 6, 2026

The Latest: Due to a combination of timing, state law, and the upcoming union election, UA staff eligible to be in the proposed staff union may not be able to receive pay raises this year.

Why it Matters: Understanding how these issues interact is important for staff who would be represented by CAUSE if the union is formed.

  • We’ve received reports of confusion and misinformation regarding FY27 salary increases, in particular, so we’re continuing to ensure staff eligible to vote in the election have the facts.

Still have questions? Visit alaska.edu/ua-votes, and click on the FAQ page to learn more. Can’t find an answer to your question?

  • Reach out to UA Labor Relations (ua-ler@alaska.edu), and we’ll get you an answer as soon as we can.
  • Attend one of the upcoming Townhall Listening sessions (see the bottom of this article) with President Pitney and UA Leadership to ask your question directly.

The Details: If a staff union forms, the employment status of those staff changes from “nonrepresented” to “represented.”

  • This matters because UA Policy (P04.05.010) and Alaska Law (Alaska Statutes 23.40.215(B)) require that “represented” employees’ unions negotiate their salary increases for them in a contract.
  • If staff vote to form the CAUSE union, that vote would be certified after the deadline in state law for union contracts to be considered by the legislature.
  • As a result, if a staff union is formed, staff represented by that union wouldn’t be able to receive the 3% across-the-board salary increase UA has requested to take effect July 1 of this year. 

An Important Note: Nonrepresented staff, and UA employees represented by unions with contracts in place on July 1 will still be eligible to receive the requested across-the-board salary increase.

Upcoming Townhall Listening Sessions on Unionization with Pres. Pitney:

  • Monday, March 16, 2026 – UAF In-Person and Systemwide Virtual Townhall Listening Session - open to all eligible unit members who couldn’t attend an in-person session - 3:00-4:00pm via Zoom (registration link and details coming soon).

But what about "status quo"? If a staff union is formed, UA would be required to maintain the "status quo" or current working and employment conditions during negotiations.

  • Some are asserting that to maintain the status quo, UA would be obligated to provide the 3% across-the-board increases if the union forms. That is incorrect. 

State law and UA policy are quite clear: unions negotiate salary increases on behalf of the employees they represent in a contract, and the contract must be approved and funded by the legislature.

  • Forming a staff union shifts employees' status from "nonrepresented" to "represented", and the status quo for represented employees requires salaries to be negotiated as a part of a contract and approved in line with state law. 

What Your Vote Means:

a gear with a check inside

Voting “No” means you wish to keep your direct relationship with UA without union representation.

 

 

 

 

 

paper with "dues" written

Voting “Yes” says the following 3 things that can't be separated: 

 

 

  1. you want a union to represent you,
  2. you want UAW to be the exclusive union representative to bargain with UA on your behalf, and
  3. you will pay union dues unless your consent to do so is withheld or revoked in accordance with both union and legal requirements.

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. 

Where can I get help or more information?
Visit alaska.edu/cause  or contact UA Labor Relations at ua-ler@alaska.edu.

Upcoming Townhall Listening Sessions on Unionization with Pres. Pitney:

  • Monday, March 16, 2026 – UAF In-Person and Systemwide Virtual Townhall Listening Session - open to all eligible unit members who couldn’t attend an in-person session - 2:00-3:00pm via Zoom (registration link and details coming soon).