Opinion ID: 1182729
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Grandfather Rights

Text: Local 71 maintains that the noncertificated REAA employees have grandfather bargaining rights under AS 23.40.240, which provides: Nothing in this chapter [PERA] terminates or modifies a collective bargaining unit, recognition of exclusive bargaining representative, or collective bargaining agreement if the unit, recognition, or agreement is in effect on September 5, 1972. Contrary to the union's assertion, there appears to be no evidence that the noncertificated employees existed as a bargaining unit on September 5, 1972. The evidence in the record tends to show that the bargaining unit was not in effect until after September 5, 1972. For example, an attorney general opinion, dated October 5, 1973, states that all State employees, except SOS non-certificated employees have been encompassed within bargaining units in which elections have been held or are in the process of being held. Alaska Op.Att'y Gen. (Oct. 5, 1973) (emphasis added). It appears that the unit was disputed as late as January of 1974. Labor Relations Agency Order and Decision No. 11 (January, 1974) (concerning a dispute regarding the appropriate unit for noncertificated employees of the ASOS). Furthermore, Tri-Trades was elected as the bargaining representative of these employees as late as October 28, 1975. Letter from Department of Labor to George White, Superintendent AUBSD (Nov. 3, 1975). Because we find no evidence to support Local 71's claim that a bargaining unit was in effect prior to September 5, 1972, we need not determine the extent of the rights provided by AS 23.40.240. In determining that the PERA does not encompass these employees, we reverse the superior court's order referring the case to the labor relations agency. The labor relations agency is the State Personnel Board if the matter concerns state employees, and the Department of Labor if the matter concerns any other public employees. AS 23.40.250(3). Because the noncertificated employees of school districts are not employees of the state directly or public employees under the PERA, neither labor agency has jurisdiction to determine the applicability of the collective bargaining agreement. In sum, we hold that the Public Employment Relations Act exempts noncertificated employees of the REAAs from its coverage. The REAAs therefore have no statutory duty to bargain with a bargaining representative of the noncertificated employees. In addition, we hold that the legislature did not intend to bind the REAAs to the employment contracts of their predecessor, the ASOS. REVERSED.