University Staff Vote on New Union

0:00It's March 19, and Anchorage, let's get into the news. Voting starts this Wednesday for about 2,300 University of Alaska staff across the state. They are deciding whether to form a new union called the Coalition of Alaska University employees for equity. This group would affiliate with the United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America. One of the biggest unions in the country, the union push targets permanent employees in areas like financial aid, advising, and communications, but exclude supervisors. Organizers filed their petition last year, and the vote needs a simple majority to pass. It is all happening through email ballots, managed by the Alaska Labor Relations Agency. Staff organizers, like Mike DeLue from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, say the main goals are more job stability and fair paying. On the other side, University Public Affairs Director Jonathan Taylor says administration opposes it. They worry it would cut flexibility, slow decisions, and hurt responses to money troubles, though they stress it is not ideological and urge everyone to vote.

1:09Both sides agree some flexibility could still fit into union contracts. Examples from other campuses and existing university unions show deals for things like merit raises. If it wins, this would be the largest union at the university, joining five others for faculty, adjuncts, and grad students. Ballets must be in by March 31st at 4pm, with initial results expected April 1st. Organizers hope for a strong turnout to settle the matter. The Daily News Now is presented by our sponsor, linked in the description. Your pillow just got smarter. It plays your podcast and music. S-O-L-I-SoliPillo.com Made in AI