APEA History & Affiliations

Our 
History

The Alaska Public Employees Association/AFT is the oldest Public Employee union in Alaska. Formed in 1955, as the Alaska State Employees Association, it was originally formed to lobby the Alaska Legislature on pay and benefits for State Employees. The Alaska Legislature passed the Public Employment Relations Act in 1972 which granted State and Local Government Employees the right to organize and form unions for the purpose of negotiating wages, hours and other terms and condition of employment.

After over 30 years of being an independent organization, in 1990, APEA/AFT looked for National affiliation to increase benefits and security for the members. After looking into and investigating a number of International Unions, the members of APEA/AFT overwhelmingly voted to join the American Federation of Teachers.

APEA/AFT as the State Federation for the American Federation of Teachers, currently represents K-12 Teachers, Paraprofessionals and Support Staff, University Faculty, Adjuncts and Crafts & Trades employees, State of Alaska Supervisors and Confidential employees, City and Borough Employees, Public Corporations and Non-profit Organizations.