ÂÜÀòÉçÊÓ

The University of Alaska administration has reached a tentative initial agreement on a three-year contract with the Alaska Graduate Workers Association (AGWA), the newly formed union representing graduate student employees. The contract terms are July 1, 2024, through December 31, 2026.

AGWA formed in November, and began negotiations with ÂÜÀòÉçÊÓ in January on a first contract. First contracts take, on average, over 450 days to complete. ÂÜÀòÉçÊÓ’s negotiations with AGWA started less than 90 days ago. Progress continues to be made, and ÂÜÀòÉçÊÓ is hopeful about reaching a mutually beneficial contract for all parties. 

The ÂÜÀòÉçÊÓ Bargaining Team is wrapping up 3 days of in-person negotiations with the newly formed Alaska Graduate Workers Association (AGWA) today. ÂÜÀòÉçÊÓ is optimistic about reaching a mutually beneficial contract for all parties, but there are rumors that work disruptions may occur in the coming weeks.

This week, ÂÜÀòÉçÊÓ is returning to previously scheduled in-person negotiations with AGWA on March 18-19. ÂÜÀòÉçÊÓ was able to reach a degree of mutual agreement with AGWA on the ground rules.

ÂÜÀòÉçÊÓ suspended planned, in-person bargaining with AGWA this week to focus on making sure our bargaining teams are on the same page when it comes to our mutually agreed-upon ground rules. 

This week, the University of Alaska started negotiations with the newly formed graduate student workers union, AGWA-ÂÜÀòÉçÊÓW. Negotiation sessions will continue throughout the spring semester on dates mutually agreed upon by both parties. Negotiations are closed to the public. 

Eligible graduate students voted over the last week on whether to form a graduate student employee union. Votes in favor of unionization prevailed 314-11.