Correcting Misinformation & Answering Key Questions about CAUSE

February 20, 2026

The latest: We’ve received dozens of questions from eligible staff about what unionization means for them. We’ve addressed the 6 most common questions, concerns, and reports of misinformation below to help set the record straight.

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.

Answering Your Questions

Question 1: Which specific jobs or employees are included in the proposed bargaining unit? How will employees be formally notified of their eligibility status prior to voting?

Answer: Staff who are eligible to vote have already been notified via email (from UA-LaborNotifications@alaska.edu) that they are eligible. If you did not receive an email about your eligibility from UA, you are not eligible to vote in the upcoming election.

The proposed Collective Bargaining Unit comprises all staff employees at UA across all work locations, except those specifically excluded. Employees excluded from the bargaining unit are UA Foundation employees, supervisors, confidential employees, senior administrators, temporary employees, and student employees.

Question 2: My understanding is that this vote is advisory and non-binding, meant only to express support for forming a union. If a majority of voters vote “yes”, staff would still have to opt in to pay union dues. Those who don't opt in - regardless of how they voted in the election - wouldn't be represented by a union. Is that correct?

Answer: No, this is not correct. 

First, this vote is binding. If a majority (50%+1) of eligible unit members who cast ballots vote “yes”, the union will be formed. If a majority (50%+1) of eligible unit members who cast ballots vote “no”, the union will not be formed. 

Second, if your position is eligible to be in the union and a majority of those who cast ballots vote “yes” to form the union, you will be represented by the union. All employees who are included in the unit would be represented by the union - whether you voted yes or no - and would be required to opt out of paying union dues if you don’t want them deducted from your paycheck. There is no opportunity to opt out or to avoid union representation at any time.

Question 3: If staff vote to unionize, can I opt out?

Answer: No. If the unionization effort is successful, all employees in the proposed union would be covered by an applicable collective bargaining agreement and must abide by its terms. Employees in the bargaining unit typically have the opportunity to vote on the contract under rules set by the union, and if approved, the contract applies to everyone in the unit.

Question 4: If UA Staff unionize, what will that mean for the Staff Councils and Staff Alliance?

Answer: Under UA policy and bylaws, employees represented by unions are not eligible to participate in or be represented by Staff Councils or Staff Alliance. The union would speak on staff’s behalf, as it does for Crafts and Trades (Local 6070) and Fairbanks Firefighters. Nonunion staff would still be able to participate in and be represented by those staff governance organizations.

Question 5: If I join a union, will I be able to be a Staff Council Member?

Answer: No. Staff who are not members of a union are represented through shared governance by the Staff Councils at each of the three universities and Staff Alliance.

Question 6: If the union forms and a contract isn't negotiated before July 1, 2026, will I still receive a salary increase this year if the legislature funds one?

Answer: No, if the union forms and a contract isn’t negotiated before July 1, 2026, staff employees determined to be eligible for the union would not be able to receive any funded, Board-approved across-the-board salary increases.

This is because UA’s policy and regulations require that employees represented by a union have their increases negotiated by that union and approved as part of a contract. First contracts with new bargaining units typically take significant time and effort to negotiate. Since it is highly unlikely there would be a contract in place by July 1 with a new union that wouldn’t be certified until April at the earliest, there would be no increases to provide to employees represented by that unit.

Still have questions? Visit alaska.edu/cause and click “Election Basics” or “FAQs” to learn more.

Why it Matters: Make sure you make your voice heard. Learn. Decide. Vote

• 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.

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, UAW to be that representative to bargain with UA on your behalf, and you will pay union dues.

 

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, February 23, 2026 - UAF Townhall Listening Session - 3:00-4:00pm at the Wood Center Ballroom (in-person)
• Wednesday, February 25, 2026 - UAA Townhall Listening Session - 10:00-11:00am in Library Room 307 (in-person)
• Monday, March 16, 2026 - 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).