Alaska union files grievance over state technology plan

JUNEAU, Alaska – A major Alaska public employees union has filed a grievance, saying the state is improperly seeking to outsource information technology jobs.

The Alaska State Employees Association/AFSCME Local 52 on Tuesday said a feasibility study should have been conducted under terms of a collective bargaining agreement.

Earlier this month, the Department of Administration announced what it called a digital alliance with Microsoft and plans to work together on various initiatives, including efforts to modernize state information technology.

The department also said Microsoft would support efforts to move data to the cloud, saying this would allow for greater data security and cost savings. The union said such a move could cost money and disrupt services.

A message seeking comment was left for the department.

The union said the grievance was filed Feb. 14.