The resolution urges Governor Dunleavy and the Department of Administration to release all copies of the statewide salary study, which is crucial for addressing the ongoing recruitment and retention crisis among public employees in Alaska. With an average vacancy rate of 16% for state jobs and some divisions experiencing even higher rates, the need for updated salary data is pressing. The last salary study was conducted in 2009, and the Alaska State Legislature allocated $1,000,000 in 2023 for a new study, which is expected to be completed by July 2024. However, delays and contract amendments have pushed the expected release date to March 31, 2025, raising concerns about the impact on collective bargaining agreements that require salary information by March 21, 2025.

The resolution highlights the importance of the salary study in informing wage and compensation decisions for public sector employees, which include firefighters, teachers, and public safety officers. Without timely access to this data, there is a risk that salaries will stagnate, exacerbating the challenges in recruiting and retaining essential public workers. The Alaska State Legislature calls for the immediate release of all drafts and copies of the salary study to facilitate informed decision-making and ensure fair compensation for Alaskan workers.