Ruling says Fairbanks engaged in unfair labor practices

FAIRBANKS — State labor officials have determined that the city of Fairbanks engaged in unfair labor practices in a contract agreement stemming from 2014.

The Alaska Labor Relations Agency board ruled Nov. 24 that the city erred when it voted to reconsider a previously approved contract with the Public Safety Employees Association, which represents dozens of Fairbanks police and emergency dispatch personnel.

The three-year contract included a 10 percent pay raise, a one-time retroactive payment of $1,750 and an additional $250 monthly health contribution for members. Work weeks would also be reduced from 40 to 36 hours a week. Members of more than 10 years would also have their leave increased from 240 to 300 hours per year, The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reported (http://bit.ly/1l6rpj8).

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

The City Council voted 4-3 to ratify the contract on Aug. 25, 2014. At the next council meeting, Sept. 8, a majority of council members voted to reconsider the contract. Reconsideration was set for Nov. 3.

The council eventually rejected the contract unanimously, prompting PSEA to file a complaint with the state labor relations board.

Fairbanks officials drafted a contract proposal that would have given union members a 4 percent increase to benefits or wages and eliminate double pay, which sometimes occurs when employees are forced to work overtime. The union rejected the proposal in January.

The board’s ruling determined that Fairbanks did not bargain in good faith and committed an unfair labor practice by striking and ratifying the deal. The city has been ordered to follow through with the contract as previously negotiated.

The City Council has 30 days to appeal the decision to the Alaska Superior Court. It was unclear Monday if the city would appeal.

___

Information from: Fairbanks (Alaska) Daily News-Miner, http://www.newsminer.com

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Feb. 15

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

The Tlingit and Haida Elders Group performs the entrance dance at the 89th annual Tribal Assembly of the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Trump rescinds Biden executive order expanding tribal sovereignty and self-governance

Order giving Natives more access to federal funds cited in awarding of major Southeast Alaska projects.

The House Finance Committee listens to public testimony about next year’s proposed budget on Friday at the Alaska State Capitol. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The Alaska House budget currently has a ‘full’ PFD of about $3,800. Except it really doesn’t.

Legislators on all sides agree PFD will shrink drastically before floor vote to avoid $2 billion deficit.

Dylan Court and Emily Feliciano-Soto at a rehearsal of “Necessary Nonsense,” a Theater Alaska production debuting Friday. (Photo courtesy of Theatre Alaska)
Middle schoolers bring ‘Necessary Nonsense’ to life in Theater Alaska Kids Company’s debut play

Imagine a world where “Alice in Wonderland” characters mingle with limerick legends… Continue reading

Jonathan Estes, a parent of three students attending the Dzantik’i Heeni campus, testifies for a safe playground at a special Juneau Board of Education meeting on Thursday, March 13, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Juneau School District submits budget for next school year to Juneau Assembly

The plan assumes $400 BSA hike and no staff vacancies; board also advocates for DH playground.

A totem pole and visitor guide sign on the downtown Juneau cruise ship dock on Thursday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
‘Anecdotal’ signs Juneau’s tourism season may see a dropoff due to Trump’s policies, officials say

Tariffs, talk of recession causing uncertainty and ill will resulting in reports of cancellations.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Wednesday, March 12, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Gabriel von Eisenstein (David Cangelosi) is pulled in two separate directions by his wife Rosalinda (Sara Radke Brown, right) and Rosalinda’s maid, Adele (Kayla Kohlhase, left) during a dress rehearsal of “Die Fledermaus” on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Juneau Lyric Opera celebrates a chorus of community for 50th anniversary

German operetta “Die Fledermaus” that launched JLO gets revival with old and new voices Friday night.

Most Read