I, Bill Walker, Governor of the State of Alaska, under the authority of Article III, Sections 1 and 24, of the Alaska Constitution, issue this Administrative Order to affirm the State of Alaska’s commitment to protecting the privacy of Executive Branch employees.
Background
Alaska’s unions have played a central role in the growth and development of our state, from early territorial days to our now modern and diverse economy. Organized labor built Alaska, from its public schools, roads, and infrastructure, to the 800-mile Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Through labor’s actions, laws have been enacted to increase the minimum wage, guard against wage theft, promote safety and health at the workplace, safeguard Alaskans in their homes and workplaces, and protect workers against unlawful discrimination.
Unions have worked to advance important pieces of legal protection, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the National Labor Relations Act, and the Social Security Act. These laws protect all workers and their families. Such accomplishments would not have been possible without the ability for workers to organize for mutual aid and protection through collective bargaining and union representation. Further, the right of employees to participate in a labor organization without harassment or intimidation is a basic right.
Alaskans have always valued their privacy as evidenced by the right to privacy enshrined in the Alaska Constitution. In light of the United States Supreme Court’s recent decision in Janus v. AFSCME, concerns have arisen that some may seek to obtain State employees’ personal information and infringe on employees’ privacy, or that State entities may discourage or encourage union membership.
Therefore, this Order seeks to ensure the protection of employees’ privacy and assert that the State, as an employer, shall remain neutral with respect to membership in an employee organization.
Order
To further these objectives and purposes set forth above, I order the following:
No State entity, including any Executive Branch agency or department or public corporation, authority, board or commission shall disclose, unless required by law, the: (a) home address; (b) personal email address; (c) personal cell phone number; or (d) personal telephone number of any employee of the State of Alaska.
No State entity shall (a) discourage or encourage an employee in joining, forming, or assisting an employee organization; (b) discourage or encourage an employee to resign or relinquish membership in an exclusive bargaining representative; or (c) discourage or encourage an employee to revoke authorization of the deduction of fees to an exclusive bargaining representative.
This Order takes effect immediately.
Dated this Second day of July, 2018.
/s/Bill Walker
Governor
