Collective Bargaining Updates
KU Reaches Agreement with UAKU
March 6, 2026
The University of Kansas and the United Academics of KU (UAKU) reached a tentative agreement on all 37 articles of the collective bargaining agreement on Thursday. The next steps in finalizing the contract include a ratification vote by UAKU, and a review by KBOR for final approval.
This accomplishment represents enormous dedication and time spent by everyone involved in the negotiation process and sets the foundation for continued partnership and support for faculty moving forward.
Overview and Timeline
Spring 2024
Union vote and recognition
- Of the 1,551 eligible KU faculty, 982 cast ballots, of which 850 voted to unionize and be represented by United Academics of Kansas University (UAKU).
Early Fall 2024
Interim agreement
- In August 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding was approved by the Kansas Board of Regents for Lawrence and Edwards faculty and academic staff, for FY 25 wage increases.
- On August 16, the Office of the Provost notified KU employees of the MOU, outlining the details of the promotion wage adjustments.
Fall 2024 through Today
Negotiation sessions
- Negotiations began on Sept. 4, 2024, and have been ongoing until a final contract is agreed upon.
KU and UAKU agreement
- 60 negotiation sessions between UAKU and KU Administration have led to a tentative agreement on all 37 articles of the collective bargaining agreement on March 5, 2026.
What we've agreed upon
UAKU and KU Management have reached 37 tentative agreements, which will define and stratify core aspects of the faculty role moving forward.
Proposals in which a tentative agreement has been reached by UAKU & KU Management:
- Labor-Management meetings
- Severability
- Parties to the Agreement
- Dues Deduction
- Purpose
- Academic Freedom & Responsibility
- Notices
- Availability of Agreement
- Personnel Files
- Modified Instructional Duties
- Benefits
- Emerit Status
- Phased Retirement
- Benefits for Retirees (side letter)
- Non-discrimination and Anti-harassment
- Facilities and Equipment
- Recognition
- Side letter on use of Area Director title
- Financial Exigency
- Academic Program Discontinuation
- Shared Governance
- Discipline
- Health and Safety
- Workload
- Side letter on Supplemental Salary Fund Policy
- Union Rights
- Management Rights
- Sabbatical
- Appointments
- Promotion & Tenure
- Evaluations
- Term of Agreement
- Compensation
- Side Letter of Understanding: Unit-Allocated Discretionary Salary Adjustment Funds for 2026
- Leaves
- Grievance and Arbitration
- Side Letter of Understanding: Intellectual Property