Labor Relations

Communications and messaging during union contract negotiation

August 19, 2026

The Big Picture: UA is committed to transparency by providing regular, factual updates on the bargaining process with CAUSE, and its timeline. However, this transparency is balanced with the necessary confidentiality of the bargaining room and other legal constraints.

  • Maintaining a protected space for negotiations allows both sides to engage in the frank, meaningful discussions required to reach a sustainable agreement.

Our View: We believe in fostering an environment where all employees feel valued and supported. In alignment with the , we encourage the following behaviors to maintain institutional culture:

  • Open and Honest Dialogue: Engaging in respectful conversations that uphold our collective mission.

  • Presuming Positive Intent: Approaching discussions with our colleagues and leadership with an understanding that we all share a commitment to the University's success.

  • Mutual Respect: Valuing the time, perspectives, and contributions of everyone across our campuses.

Go Deeper: To ensure staff can rely on accurate information rather than rumor, UA serves as only one source for updates, with CAUSE as another source. Employees are encouraged to hear both viewpoints.

UA’s communications always adhere to the following principles, and aim to provide specificity, transparency, and clarity.

  • Providing Predictable Updates: Maintaining a consistent communication rhythm so you know when to expect updates. The University typically targets mid-week delivery for staff-facing communications or immediately following a bargaining session.

  • Sharing Information: Focusing communications on the negotiation process and our ongoing commitment to providing competitive compensation and benefits within fiscal constraints. UA is committed to protecting the integrity of the bargaining process so both teams can negotiate effectively without external pressures.

  • Maintaining Professionalism: Ensuring that all interactions, even during challenging discussions, remain professional and constructive.

Zoom Out: A collective bargaining agreement is built from the ground up through a specific legal lifecycle. It begins with active negotiations at the bargaining table.

  • Once a tentative agreement is reached, it must undergo union ratification, followed by approval from the Board of Regents and approval and transmission to the legislature by the Department of Law.

  • Finally, any monetary terms must be funded through the state legislative appropriations process. Because this is a first contract, there is no existing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) to amend.

How to Learn More: If you have questions about the bargaining process, the negotiation updates or timeline, visit the . You can also view the for their perspective.