A tentative contract agreement has been ratified by the University of Alaska faculty union members and the University of Alaska administration. The Monday results of the ratification vote were certified by United Academics.
After 14 months of negotiations, the two parties came to an agreement. Both parties filed unfair labor practice complaints during the contentious process, which are ongoing.
Another step towards implementing the contract is the union membership ratification. The tentative contract was approved by the Board of Regents during its November meeting. Final approval is required from the Alaska Department of Administration.
The tentative agreement provides faculty salaries increases of 3% and 2.75% for three years. These are slightly more than the administration’s initial “best and last offer” of 3% and 2.5% respectively. Retroactive to July 1, 2022, the contract will be in effect. The university will request the supplemental budget item to pay back the salary increase. The university will submit a budget request to the Legislature that includes the overall compensation increase for funding approval.
Robbie Graham, University of Alaska assistant vice president of public affairs and University of Alaska vice president of public relations, stated that salary increases are dependent on legislative appropriation. Graham also spoke on behalf of the administration via email.
Abel Bult Ito, president of the faculty union, said that there is “no doubt” the legislature will finance it. Ratifying the contract will provide stability over the next few years and show the unity of the union, he said.
A little over 50% — or 344 of the 677 eligible voters — voted. The tentative agreement was approved by 324 of those voters, which is 94%. Bult-Ito said that normally, 30-40% of the members vote. He believes that Zoom has increased interest in the negotiations process by making it open to union members. He said, “Officially, we would love to see everyone vote, but over 50% is a great deal.”
Bult-Ito stated that the union’s relationship with the administration is still “very strained”, but that agreeing to the contract will ease the pressure and hopefully improve it.
Both the union and administration filed unfair labor practice complaints with Alaska Labor Relations Agency during the long negotiation process — the union filed in August, and the administration filed in September. Both the state agency continues to collect briefings.
In August 2024, the two sides will be back at each other’s table for negotiations.
The Alaska Beacon originally published this story. It is republished with permission.
