"the important role unions have played in many Alaskans’ lives".. Yes they have.. By scamming Alaskans through the Jones Act. When Alaska became a state, a clause in the statehood act was to repeal the Jones Act. Washington, Oregon, California, Texas and Louisiana voted against repealing it. The unions were to lose out on easy money and called in the favors they were owed.

You realize to be employed with the State of Alaska, you are REQUIRED to join their employee union..? I found this out when I applied for a position. I was told this upon my interview.