UNAC Alaska Union Member Information

What it Means to be in a Union

Paying union dues is optional, but being part of the bargaining unit is not. What does that mean?

Bargaining Unit Member:

A person employed in a unionized workplace and determined to perform duties that are similar in scope and responsibility to other employees within the unionized workplace, whether or not they pay union dues
A person who benefits from the rules and protections of a negotiated Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), whether or not they pay dues
All faculty and post doctoral fellows who work over 51% FTE anywhere within the UA system are considered United Academics Bargaining Unit Members, whether or not they pay dues
A person in a union who doesn’t pay dues but benefits from their colleagues’ union dues

Dues-Paying Member:

A bargaining unit member who pays union dues to ensure ongoing union protections in the workplace for themselves and their colleagues
A bargaining unit member who pays dues to gain full access to union rights and benefits, who can hold elected leadership positions within the union, and who can vote in all important union elections
A bargaining unit member who pays dues as a contribution to their union’s existence and strength rather than depending on the dues of other people to pay for their own union protections

Why should you pay dues if it’s optional?
To preserve and build on the benefits and protections secured by your predecessors through collective bargaining!

Benefits of being Unionized

CBA benefits enjoyed by all bargaining unit members & made possible by dues payers:

Larger annual cost-of-living increases than non-unionized higher ed employees
Annual cash-in of Faculty Time Off (FTO)
Higher minimum starting salaries for reach rank
Promotions with a 10% pay increase
Access to UNAC professional development funds at each university
Academic freedom protections
Representation during disciplinary meetings
Grievance process for resolving violations of the CBA
A fully staffed union office to:
- answer member concerns and questions
- respond to contract issues
- file grievances
- consult with legal counsel to enforce the CBA
- maintain clear communications with membership
Affiliation with national and state unions (AFT, AAUP, APEA, AK-AFL-CIO) for advice and assistance during turbulent times

Benefits accessible only to dues paying members:

The knowledge and comfort of paying your fair share to protect, maintain, and strengthen all of the above benefits
Advice when seeking career advancement
Advice and assistance when HR is not responding to questions about employment or benefits
Advocacy and assistance when workplace problems arise (not related to the CBA)
AFT Member Benefits (discounts on car insurance, life insurance, legal assistance, debt counseling, travel deals, mortgage discounts, virtual trauma therapy, and more)
Solidarity with dues-paying UNAC faculty and post-docs across the UA system
The right to vote in all UNAC elections, constitutional amendments, and CBA ratifications
The opportunity to participate in UNAC committees, Contract Action Teams, and Negotiation Teams
The right to run for UNAC’s officer positions or a seat on the Representative Assembly
The chance to help determine UNAC’s bargaining priorities

If you currently depend on your colleagues’ dues to pay for your union protections, make the choice now to pay your share and protect your union benefits. Start paying dues today if you’re not already.

Beginning or continuing to pay dues gives you full rights in your union and grows our power at the negotiation table.

THANK YOU TO OUR MANY DUES PAYING MEMBERS!