AFSCME Members Rally, Sue Alaska Over State Worker Staffing Crisis

Alaska Public Workers Demand Better Conditions Amid Staffing Crisis

In a bold move to address the ongoing staffing challenges within state agencies, Alaskan members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) have taken their grievances to the public sphere and the courtroom. Their efforts aim to shed light on the pressing issue of understaffing that has left state workers overwhelmed and underpaid.

On February 14, the Alaska State Employees Association (ASEA)/AFSCME Local 52 organized a rally at the state Capitol in Juneau. The event was designed to highlight the severe overwork and stress experienced by state employees, who are struggling to meet the needs of Alaskans due to a significant vacancy rate exceeding 16%.

The rally was not the only action taken by ASEA members. Earlier, they filed a lawsuit against Governor Mike Dunleavy's administration, demanding the release of a state salary study, which is required by law to be public. The study is intended to provide transparency regarding state employee compensation.

Public Service Workers Share Their Struggles

During the rally, ASEA members recounted personal stories illustrating the challenges posed by the staffing shortage. According to the union, many state agencies, including payroll and public safety offices, as well as the Division of Public Assistance, are severely impacted. This has resulted in delayed or incorrect payroll processing and insufficient staffing to ensure Alaskans receive essential benefits like food stamps.

Furthermore, the lack of personnel has led to the closure of public safety facilities and a reduction in law enforcement presence in smaller Alaskan communities. ASEA commented, "We know that people working in public service aren’t doing these difficult jobs to get rich. They do it because they care about the work they do and the Alaskans they serve. But public servants can only endure stagnant wages and short staffing for so long. Public employees, and the Alaskans they serve, deserve better."

Lawsuit Over Salary Study

The crux of ASEA's legal action is the salary study, which compares the wages of state employees to market rates. ASEA has accused the Dunleavy administration of manipulating and withholding the study, which cost $1 million and was completed by a private contractor by mid-2024.

Despite legislative approval for the study and its completion, the results remain undisclosed. ASEA's lawsuit asserts that the Department of Administration has wrongfully labeled the study as an "incomplete draft" to justify its non-disclosure.

ASEA Executive Director Heidi Drygas emphasized the importance of transparency, stating, "The law requires this administration to be transparent and share the results of this publicly funded study. If we want Alaska to be open for business and we want Alaska to be a premier place to work, we need to be sure that we pay our state employees fairly and competitively."

Negotiations and Future Steps

The rally and lawsuit coincide with ongoing negotiations for a new three-year contract between ASEA members and the state. The union has a deadline of March 22 to submit proposals for state employee compensation. ASEA insists that access to the salary study is crucial for ensuring fair and appropriate salary allocations in the upcoming state budget.

ASEA/AFSCME Local 52 represents over 8,000 public service workers in Alaska, who perform a wide range of vital services, from emergency dispatch to public assistance distribution. Their advocacy continues to be pivotal in addressing the staffing and compensation challenges faced by state employees.