Members of United Academics - American Association of University Professors/American Federation of Teachers Local 4996 gathered on the steps of the Alaska State Capitol on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, to call on University of Alaska officials to agree to a negotiated contract. Monday, an Unfair Labor Practice complaint was filed by a representative of the University of Alaska’s faculty union against the university’s administration. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Members of United Academics - American Association of University Professors/American Federation of Teachers Local 4996 gathered on the steps of the Alaska State Capitol on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, to call on University of Alaska officials to agree to a negotiated contract. Monday, an Unfair Labor Practice complaint was filed by a representative of the University of Alaska’s faculty union against the university’s administration. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

UA staff union files unfair labor practice complaint

University administration accused of bad faith during year-long negotiations

An unfair labor practice complaint has been filed by a representative of the University of Alaska’s faculty union against the university’s administration “for various occurrences throughout our ongoing bargaining and mediation process,” according to a news release issued Monday afternoon.

The complaint filed with the Alaska Labor Relations Agency, an incremental step in objections to the impasse that could include a strike, means a hearing officer will investigate to determine if there is probable cause for bad faith by the university. If such is found the matter would be referred to the agency’s board, with the union also having the option to appeal to the board if the officer dismisses the complaint.

Negotiations can continue while a complaint is pending. Both sides are scheduled to meet Wednesday in yet another session in the year-long negotiations, with both sides saying significant differences remain despite reaching an agreement recently about wage increases during the next three years.

“United Academics intends to bargain in good faith,” Abel Bult-Ito, the union’s president, wrote in an email that accompanied the release. “We are intent on reaching an agreement that bargaining unit members in good standing will ratify. It takes two parties to reach a compromise.”

But the release states “the university administration has not bargained in good faith and continues to drag out the mediation process.”

Robbie Graham, a UA spokesperson, said in a prepared statement the university is reviewing the complaint.

“However, the university firmly believes that it has been bargaining in good faith from the earliest days of negotiations, and will continue to do so,” she said. “Our public statements have been factual, providing appropriate transparency about the negotiations to the university community. The university will respond to UNAC’s filing and remains committed to the mediation process with the expectation of finding common ground with the faculty union on the remaining issues.”

Both sides have been under federal mediation since April, and most recently have agreed to raises of 3%, 2.75% and 2.5% during the coming three years for the more than 1,000 employees represented by the union, although the latter two years are dependent on the consumer price index.

United Academics, on behalf of American Association of University Professors/American Federation of Teachers Local 4996, states still at issue is making its workers eligible for higher wage increases given to other employee groups, since otherwise the administration “may lowball us and give non-represented employees higher rates above our union.” Union members are also seeking more favorable terms regarding disciplinary procedures and what the union calls “protections of academic freedom.”

In addition to Wednesday’s session, three more negotiating meetings are scheduled through late September.

Contact reporter Mark Sabbatini at mark.sabbatini@juneauempire.com.

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Feb. 1

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

The Alaska State Capitol is seen on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in front of snow-covered Mount Juneau. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Alaska legislators say state’s fiscal picture is among the worst in decades

A planned increase for K-12 public school spending is expected to significantly reduce the PFD.

The Norwegian Jewel begins its departure from Juneau on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, marking the official end of the annual cruise ship season. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire file photo)
Community support for cruise tourism continues slow decline in annual survey

29% say impacts generally positive, 13% negative; responses were 40% positive, 6% negative in 2002

Large cracks in the Mendenhall Glacier are observed by U.S. Forest Service officials on the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. (U.S. Forest Service photo)
‘A substantial portion of the Mendenhall Glacier is expected to collapse at any time’

Warning issued Tuesday morning by U.S. Forest Service after recent calving, large crack spotted.

A drone image shows widespread flooding in the Mendenhall Valley in Juneau on Aug. 6, 2024. The flood was from an outburst at Suicide Basin, part of the Mendenhall Glacier complex. A similar glacial outburst flood struck the same area in 2023. (Image courtesy of Rich Ross)
Bill would establish Alaska alternative to federal flood insurance program

The Alaska Legislature is considering a bill that would create a new… Continue reading

A girl uses her cellphone at Bronx High School of Science in New York on Jan. 11, 2016. (Yana Paskova for The New York Times)
Juneau School District seeks feedback from community on cellphone policy

The conversation rises from cellphone bans happening nationally and at the state level.

Juneau International Airport is getting new leadership in its administration and board of directors. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file photo)
Assembly names two new airport board members in shakeup after budget stalemate

Angela Rodell and David Epstein, both former members, to get quick start at seeking solution this week.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Most Read