Catherwood LibraryILR School

The labor law that limited Anchorage Municipal unions? collective bargaining rights, the Responsible Labor Act, was challenged by voters? signatures, but a municipal clerk denied the appeal citing that the law was technical and administrative and therefore not subject to voter petitions. The right of voters to appeal the law is being challenged in the Alaskan Supreme Court, who heard oral arguments Wednesday afternoon. Although the ruling may still be appealed and have effects on the strategy of the labor movement far beyond Anchorage, three of the municipal unions have already ratified new contracts under the Responsible Labor Act. Some of the contentious issues that spurred the Responsible Labor Act and stalled contract negotiations were the unique performance raises of 6.5% annually if attendance and safety measures were met, and the managed hiring competition which mixes union hires with non-union hires. The Alaskan Supreme Court has given no guidance as to when a decision might be issued.