UA Graduate Workers Vote “Yes” on Strike Authorization

By Zeke Shomler

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. 

This does not necessarily mean that UA graduate workers will strike this semester. However, it authorizes the union to set a strike date at any time. 

If a strike were to be called for, all graduate workers at UAF, including research assistants, teaching assistants, and hourly employees, may stop performing their job duties. This includes research activities, grading, and course instruction.

This strike authorization vote is primarily motivated by an impasse between AGWA-UAW and the University over the “at-will” employment issue. The union has proposed “just cause” employment, which places restrictions on why an employee can be let go from their position. The University has been unwilling to consider changing from the current “at-will” policy, which allows employees to be fired at any time for any reason.

Other notable issues of concern include pay rates, shower access, healthcare, and childcare. The University recently proposed a 2.5% increase in minimum pay for graduate workers, with no change for employees whose current pay is above the new proposed rate. AGWA-UAW negotiators hope to bargain for an across-the-board increase. Another goal is to bring minimum wages above the Alaska poverty line of $18,210 yearly for a single person. 

At the time of this article, no strike date has been set. However, this may change at any time now that most UA graduate workers have approved the Strike Authorization.

The Sun Star will continue reporting as updates arise.

Clarification 4/18/24: AGWA-UAW has declared impasse, which is a technical legal term. The University has not.