February 22, 2000   NR 05-2000

The University of Alaska announces the ratification and approval of a collective bargaining agreement with one of its faculty unions, United Academics - AAUP/AFT. On Friday, February 18, the Board of Regents unanimously approved the contract after 93% of union members voting ratified the three-year deal.

The agreement was reached well in advance of the expiration of the current agreement and will go into effect on January 1, 2001. The new contract provides 2.6% across the board raises, clarifies employee contributions to the cost of health benefits and streamlines the faculty evaluation process. The agreement is now subject to approval and funding by the legislature.

"The agreement is in the interest of both the university and its faculty," said Michael Hostina, the university's director of labor relations. "The process was amicable and the terms are reasonable. With President Hamilton's guidance, both union and management negotiators were able to focus on our most important job: providing higher education to Alaskans."

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Michael Hostina, Director of Labor Relations, 907-474-7879 NR 05-00