Workers also enter their first full semester under the new labor contract between UAF and the Alaska Graduate Workers’ Association. The contract, which came into effect on July 1, includes pay increases for all Graduate Workers, just-cause employment measures, and other benefits that help guarantee a fair and secure working environment for UA graduate students.

On March 29th, the recently established labor union of UA graduate workers, AGWA-UAW, concluded its Strike Authorization Vote. Of 296 votes, 95% voted “yes” to authorize a potential graduate worker strike.

Negotiations between university representatives and the graduate student union came screeching to a halt last week when the university canceled two and a half days of bargaining. The university’s decision came after graduate students met with state senators in Juneau on February 20th to discuss the university’s R1 status.

After a two-week online voting window, the vote is in: graduate student workers at UA have overwhelmingly voted to form a union. UA Teaching Assistants, Research Assistants, Research Fellows, and hourly employees who are students at the graduate level will be represented by AGWA-UAW.

Fairbanks, AK – This Friday, March 31st at 12:00 noon, University of Alaska graduate student workers will march on campus to continue their campaign for a union. After filing a petition to form a union with the Alaska Labor Relations Agency, they are expressing their continued support for unionization and to proceed rapidly to a union election so they can confirm their choice to collectively bargain. Press is welcome to attend.

March Details:

• What: A march to show support for a union, and for proceeding rapidly to a union election.

• When: 12:00 (noon) on Friday, March 31

• Where: Wood Center, UAF Campus

• Who: University of Alaska graduate workers, community allies and campus supporters.