Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers

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Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers

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Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers

HUCTW

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HUCTW

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1988

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2003

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Biographical History

In May 1988, 4000 Harvard employess in offices, laboratories and libraries chose to be represented by the Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers, which was affiliated with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Kristine Rondeau was the lead organizer for HUCTW.

From the description of Records, 1988-2003 (inclusive). (Harvard University). WorldCat record id: 123430032

Labor organizing of clerical and technical workers at Harvard University dates to the early 1970s in the Harvard Medical Area. Frustrated by poor treatment and low wages, a group of women research assistants, graduate students, and faculty members began meeting to discuss workplace conditions affecting women. Led by laboratory assistant Leslie Sullivan, graduate student Norma Swenson, and Associate Dean for Student Affairs Mary Howell, the Harvard Medical School Women’s Group challenged sexism at Harvard. That effort would soon splinter, leading Sullivan to focus her efforts on improving workplace conditions for all clerical and technical staff in the Harvard Medical area. She was supported by organizers including Marlene Goldman, Edie Brickman, Kristin Mahon, Jeanne Lafferty, John Rees, Jeremy Pool, Richard Pendleton, Drago Clifton, and later, Kristine (Kris) Rondeau, a research assistant at the Harvard School of Public Health. Sullivan and Rondeau met at an organizing committee meeting in 1977. Rondeau’s dedication and skill soon elevated her to a leadership role in the fifteen-year effort to organize the Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers (HUCTW), which represents all support staff, including secretaries, library and laboratory assistants, and accounting clerks, among many others. Leaders of the HUCTW campaign included Maria Manna, Martha Robb, Jeanne Lafferty, and William (Bill) Jaeger; many other organizers volunteered their time. On May 17, 1988, approximately 3,400 employees - 82 percent of whom were women - voted in a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) -sanctioned election to be represented by the HUCTW, an affiliate of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). The election made HUCTW the largest union of clerical and technical workers at any private university in the United States.

The following chronology provides a brief history of the successful organizing efforts:

Early 1970s Employees in the Harvard Medical Area begin to consider forming a union, starting a process which would culminate more than 15 years later with the certification of the Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers. 1974 A group of Medical Area employees embark upon a union search to assist them in organizing. District 65, a national union with thousands of members in New England, is chosen. 1975 Harvard-District 65 supporters petition for an election at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Harvard disputes the definition of the "bargaining unit" as the Medical Area only, and the election is delayed for two years. May 13, 1977 The NLRB finds that the Medical School campus is indeed an appropriate bargaining unit. June 29, 1977 First election. In an NLRB-certified election, employees vote against forming a union, 436 to 346. 1979 District 65 becomes part of the United Auto Workers (UAW). April 9, 1981 Second election. The union loses 390 to 328. August 1981 The union files an unfair labor practices charge against Harvard for its conduct during the second election. The NLRB rules that the election should be set aside and a new election held. Harvard appeals and the decision is overturned. May 1983 The union petitions for a third election. Once again, Harvard disputes the appropriateness of the bargaining unit, claiming the appropriate unit is the whole campus, not just the Medical School Area. March 1984 The NLRB reverses its previous decision and defines the bargaining unit as being university support staff from the entire campus. August 1985 The union organizing staff, led by Kris Rondeau, decide to disaffiliate from the UAW due to irreconcilable differences over organizing principles and strategies. Organizers create the new, independent Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers (HUCTW). The HUCTW staff continue organizing without pay for the next 18 months. January 1987 HUCTW agrees to affiliate with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). March 1988 HUCTW/AFSCME petitions NLRB for an election. May 17, 1988 Third election. Approximately 3,400 employees from six campuses vote to be represented by the HUCTW. The union wins 1530 to 1486. Shortly thereafter, Harvard files a complaint with the NLRB about HUCTW's election day activities and hearings before an administrative law judge ensue. October 1988 The administrative law judge rules strongly in favor of the union, upholding the election results and proclaiming Harvard's charges as "frivolous." November 4, 1988 Harvard President Derek Bok recognizes the union as the representative of the clerical and technical workers. In a letter to the Harvard commmunity he states, "I will work to make this relationship as constructive and harmonious as possible." November 10, 1988 HUCTW/AFSCME is officially certified by the NLRB. December 1988 January 1989 A 60-day transition period begins, giving union activists and Harvard administration an opportunity to begin a new relationship founded on mutual trust and cooperation. February 1989 Negotiations begin for the first agreement, with 70 elected union members participating. June 1989 Members of HUCTW ratify a three-year contract with 94% in favor. October 1989 The contract is signed, and the union votes to ratify HUCTW by-laws. November 2, 1989 HUCTW members elect their first campus-wide officers, a 13-member Executive Board, and members of 26 Joint Councils. February 14, 1990 Union representatives are elected in every department and area of the campus. From the guide to the Records of the Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers, 1967-2005, (Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute)

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https://viaf.org/viaf/149095611

https://www.worldcat.org/identities/lccn-n97008943

https://id.loc.gov/authorities/n97008943

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Labor unions

Women labor leaders

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Massachusetts

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