Graduate students and research assistants at all University of Alaska campuses have voted in favor of unionization and will be represented by the Alaska Graduate Student Union-United Auto Workers. The union will represent around 450 students, and it will be the first UAW union in Alaska. Some issues that students want the union to focus on include healthcare benefits and wages. Students are also concerned about the current rule that they are not allowed to hold external positions, which means the only income they receive is from the university. This is an issue for various students because they cannot afford rent or basic necessities based on the university income alone. The University of Alaska administration will voluntarily recognize the union and has stated that the administration is ready to begin bargaining with the union after union certification.
See "Graduate students and research assistants at University of Alaska campuses vote in favor of unionization", Robyne, Alaska Public Media, November 1, 2023