OPINION: Vote yes on Ballot Measure 1 for a more resilient Alaska economy

Labor Day has always held a special place in my heart, not just as a day of rest but as a day of reflection on the power of collective action. Born and raised in Talkeetna, I learned early on the value of hard work and the importance of standing together as a community. Whether it is working together to feed our neighbors or protecting workers’ rights, I’ve always believed that strength lies in unity.

As we honor the contributions of working families across Anchorage and our state, we must also look to the future and the critical decisions that lie ahead, like voting to increase the minimum wage and allow more employees to earn paid sick leave through Ballot Measure 1 in November. As a Republican, this is an issue that I believe can unite Alaskans across the political spectrum. This is underscored by polling that shows support for the initiative across almost all demographics.

After graduating from Central Washington University and returning to Alaska, I had the privilege of working on numerous political campaigns, fighting for legislation that benefits Alaskans and watching organized labor strengthen our economy. I’ve seen firsthand how a collective effort can bring meaningful change. But my most profound experience came when I joined the Teamsters in 2021, fully embracing the fight for workers’ rights and the progress of the labor movement.

Ballot Measure 1 is a continuation of that movement. By increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour by July 2027 and allowing all Alaska employees to earn paid sick leave, Ballot Measure 1 is a crucial opportunity to help ensure that every worker in Anchorage, and across Alaska, is treated with fairness and respect.

Raising the minimum wage and guaranteeing paid sick leave isn’t just good policy, it’s about making sure that no one is forced to choose between their health, their family’s health, and their paycheck. Working families should not have to worry about going to work when their kids are sick. Ballot Measure 1 gives parents the ability to stay home with a sick child instead of having to worry about the financial repercussions.

Working families are the backbone of our community. But often, these workers are asked to do more with less. They’re asked to stretch their paychecks to cover the high cost of living, to work through illness because they can’t afford to take a day off, and to sacrifice their well-being for the sake of their jobs. When Alaskans can afford to buy basic necessities and can afford to get sick, they contribute more to their communities, helping sustain our economy.

Voting yes on Ballot Measure 1 is a vote for a stronger, healthier Anchorage. An Anchorage where the health of our hard-working residents becomes a priority and normalizing supportive workplace environments. It’s a vote to ensure that our city’s workers are paid fairly and have the protections they need to care for themselves, their families, and their community. It’s a vote to improve job satisfaction and productivity and to build a more resilient economy for everyone.

This Labor Day, let’s honor the legacy of those who have fought for workers’ rights by continuing their efforts. Ballot Measure 1 is not just a step forward for workers — it’s a step forward for everyone. Vote yes on Ballot Measure 1 this November.

Patrick Fitzgerald is the political coordinator for the Alaska Teamsters Local 959. He was born and raised in Talkeetna, where he attended Susitna Valley High School and worked as a river guide during the summers. After graduating in 2011, Patrick attended Central Washington University, where he played hockey and lacrosse for the Wildcats. Graduating with a degree in political science, Patrick returned to Alaska. He has been with Teamsters 959 since 2021.

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