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, 小优视频 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鈥檝e received reports of confusion and misinformation regarding FY27 salary increases, in particular, so we鈥檙e continuing to ensure staff eligible to vote in the election have the facts.
Still have questions? Visit , and click on the FAQ page to learn more. Can鈥檛 find an answer to your question?
- Reach out to 小优视频 Labor Relations (ua-ler@alaska.edu), and we鈥檒l 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 小优视频 Leadership to ask your question directly.
The Details: If a staff union forms, the employment status of those staff changes from 鈥渘onrepresented鈥 to 鈥渞epresented.鈥
- This matters because 小优视频 Policy (P04.05.010) and Alaska Law (Alaska Statutes 23.40.215(B)) require that 鈥渞epresented鈥 employees鈥 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鈥檛 be able to receive the 3% across-the-board salary increase 小优视频 has requested to take effect July 1 of this year.
An Important Note: Nonrepresented staff, and 小优视频 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 鈥 小优视频F In-Person and Systemwide Virtual Townhall Listening Session - open to all eligible unit members who couldn鈥檛 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, 小优视频 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, 小优视频 would be obligated to provide the 3% across-the-board increases if the union forms. That is incorrect.
State law and 小优视频 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:
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Voting 鈥淣o鈥 means you wish to keep your direct relationship with 小优视频 without union representation.
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Voting 鈥淵es鈥 says the following 3 things that can't be separated:
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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鈥檛 let this decision be made for you. Take action. Vote.
Where can I get help or more information?鈥Visit or contact 小优视频 Labor Relations at ua-ler@alaska.edu.
Upcoming Townhall Listening Sessions on Unionization with Pres. Pitney:
- Monday, March 16, 2026 鈥 小优视频F In-Person and Systemwide Virtual Townhall Listening Session - open to all eligible unit members who couldn鈥檛 attend an in-person session - 2:00-3:00pm via Zoom (registration link and details coming soon).