Joint Statement by Harvard University and the Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

October 14, 1999

SEARCH THE GAZETTE

HARVARD GAZETTE ARCHIVES

Harvard University has reached an agreement with its largest union, the Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers (HUCTW), to resolve issues relating to the prolonged use of "casual" employees.

The agreement outlines a plan to provide retroactive compensation and/or regular employment to between 300 and 500 individuals currently working at Harvard who worked as casual employees longer than permitted under the terms of the HUCTW contract. Remedies for these individuals will be based on the nature and duration of their service, and will be finalized over the next several months.

It is estimated that about 400 people will be offered either staff jobs or monetary entitlements. However, these numbers may change as the University and the Union work together to review and resolve individual cases. The cost of implementation has yet to be determined but it is expected to be at least $1 million.

Although the HUCTW contract did not require the University to do so, both Harvard and the Union believed that "it was important to compensate current Harvard employees who may have been inappropriately classified" during their casual service.

"I am very pleased with the resolution we have reached on this important issue," said President Neil L. Rudenstine. "It is a strong settlement for our employees, and it establishes a solid basis for the future. The Union and our staff deserve a great deal of credit for the creativity, thoroughness, and constructive spirit they have shown throughout this process. Harvard is committed to being a leading employer in addressing important problems, and this settlement represents one more step toward achieving that goal."

The University and the Union, through a process both parties term "positive and constructive," have been in informal discussions for a little over a year in order to identify and resolve inappropriate casual employment situations. Although no final decisions have been reached regarding all of the policy and procedural changes that may be necessary to ensure future compliance, Harvard will introduce improved monitoring and auditing systems and will establish educational programs for managers about their responsibilities when hiring and managing short-term help.

Approximately 9,000 individuals work as "casual" employees for the University annually. Casual employees, defined in the HUCTW contract as those working less than half time or for three months or less, do not receive Harvard benefits. HUCTW represents approximately 3,500 clerical and technical support staff.

Like many employers, Harvard relies on casual workers and private contractors to perform a variety of services. The University is working on several fronts to ensure that those who work at Harvard as casual employees or contractors are treated fairly. An Ad Hoc Faculty Committee appointed last April by President Rudenstine is reviewing the University’s employment polices to ensure that they adequately reflect Harvard’s obligations to this contingent workforce.

Individuals who believe they may be affected by this agreement should report their names and ID numbers to the Department of Labor and Employee Relations (495-2786).