May 3, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 3, 2024

University of Alaska Regents unanimously approve bargaining agreement with graduate student union 

(FAIRBANKS) — The University of Alaska Board of Regents today voted 10-0 to approve UA’s tentative contract agreement with the Alaska Graduate Workers Association (AGWA). The approval follows unanimous approval of the contract by AGWA members earlier this week, and represents the University’s formal agreement to the contract terms. 

“I applaud the bargaining teams for their hard work and dedication over the last three months,” said UA Board of Regents Chair Ralph Seekins. “Graduate students play an important role at the university system, and we look forward to seeing their education, research, and teaching continue empowering Alaska.”

The contract has also received approval from the Department of Administration, and UA has submitted a request to the Legislature for state funds to cover the contract’s cost. The contract begins July 1, 2024, and ends December 31, 2026.

UA and AGWA reached a tentative agreement on the contract late Tuesday evening after just 96 days of bargaining, well under the national average of 465 days.

More details on the contract are available here.

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For more information, contact Jonathon Taylor, director of public affairs at 907-350-0168 (cell), or via email at jonathon.taylor@alaska.edu.