AY2026 UA Staff Unionization Efforts

Dates set for CAUSE union representation election

January 23, 2026

The latest: The dates for the CAUSE union representation election have been set. 

  • Voting will be open from 9:00 AM on March 18 to 4:00 PM on March 31, 2026. 
  • Employees who are eligible to vote will receive emailed instructions from the voting platform, Intelivote, to vote online or by phone. 

Why It Matters: Regardless of whether you support being part of a union, it’s important that if you’re eligible, you vote. 

  • Only those who vote will determine the outcome. And there’s no opportunity to opt out of the union: if you’re eligible and the union does form, you may not exclude yourself from union membership and representation. 

What’s Next: Questions about the voting process? Wondering what would happen if a staff union is formed? We’ve got answers. Watch your email and alaska.edu/cause for more information in the coming days. 

  • Remember that a union cannot promise specific outcomes. It can negotiate, but any final agreement must still be approved by UA leadership.

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.

Stay up-to-date on staff unionization efforts at alaska.edu/cause.