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Understanding the Collective Bargaining and Approval Process

As Ů�źϼ� and CAUSE work toward a first contract, here’s a primer on the overall negotiation process and timelines.

The Bargaining Process

The path to a new collective bargaining agreement involves several key stages of negotiation before moving into the formal approval phase:

1. Ground Rules Established: Ů�źϼ� and the union agree on the guidelines for how the teams will meet, exchange proposals, and ensure orderly and efficient negotiations. 
   Zoom in: Negotiations regarding ground rules are ongoing.
   
   
2.  Negotiations Begin: Once a schedule is set, the teams start exchanging and discussing proposals on wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.
   Catch Up Quick: Ů�źϼ� and the Union have met six times with the next bargaining session scheduled for September 10, 2026.
   
   
3. Tentative Agreement: Sometimes called a “handshake,” this is reached when the two bargaining teams agree on contract terms, marking the conclusion of active negotiations before the formal ratification process begins. According to Bloomberg Law, it takes .  
   Why it Matters: The union has expressed an interest in finalizing a contract by November 20; however, neither Ů�źϼ� nor CAUSE can guarantee adherence to specific timelines.

Process for Approving a Tentative Agreement (TA)

Once a tentative agreement is reached between the bargaining teams, it must undergo a formal approval and funding process:

1. Board of Regents and Union membership ratification: The University administration presents the agreement to the Board of Regents for approval, while the union presents it to its members for a ratification vote.

2. Review by the Department of Law: The Department of Law must review and approve the agreement before monetary terms are submitted to the Legislature.

3. Submission to the Legislature via the Department of Law and Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Ů�źϼ� requests are routed through the Department of Law and OMB for review and official submission to the Legislature.

4. Legislative approval and funding: The monetary terms of the agreement are subject to appropriation and funding by the Alaska Legislature.
   
   

Under Alaska Law, the complete monetary and nonmonetary terms of a tentative agreement must be submitted to the Legislature no later than the 60th day of the legislative session (which is Friday, March 19, 2027) to receive legislative consideration for appropriation during that calendar year.

Next Steps After Approval

Once the agreement has been ratified by the union and approved by the Board of Regents and the Department of Law, the finalized contract takes effect. Please note that while non-monetary provisions become effective following ratification and final approval, the monetary terms of the agreement are contingent upon and do not take effect until funds are appropriated by the Alaska Legislature.