ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å

Update on Staff Unionization Efforts

September 19, 2025

The Latest: ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å is continuing to work with the Alaska Labor Relations Agency (ALRA) regarding ongoing efforts by some staff to form a union. The University is currently determining which employees are eligible to be represented by the union if it is ultimately formed.

Zoom Out: It is ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å’s standard practice at this stage to conduct a thorough eligibility review. We do this to help avoid problems later in the process and ensure that, if representation is established, there’s a clear, defensible list of who is included.

• The review may take some time to ensure the list of eligible employees is accurate and mutually agreed upon. 

• Our efforts to determine the scope of the employees eligible to be in the proposed bargaining unit are proceeding according to timelines specified in Alaska Labor Relations law and regulation.

• Once final eligibility determinations are made, ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å will work with the ALRA on the next steps.
  

Why it Matters: If you’re wondering whether you might be in the eligible group, this is part of the process. In some cases, jobs or roles may overlap or be ambiguous, and the review helps clarify those boundaries.

• Under Alaska Labor law, supervisory and confidential employees aren’t allowed to be in the same bargaining unit as other employees. 

What’s Next: After eligibility is finalized, ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å will work with the ALRA to determine the appropriate next steps.

• Updates will be shared with staff when more details are available.
  

The Bottom Line: ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å is committed to ensuring this process is fair and thorough. If you have questions about whether your position might be eligible, contact ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å Labor Relations at ua-ler@alaska.edu.

Go Deeper: Questions about what organizing activity is appropriate in the workplace? Find details here.