Update on labor talks
The contract between Harvard University and its largest union, the Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers (HUCTW), expired on June 30. While work on a contract has continued, the talks have shown no sign of nearing an end. The Gazette spoke with Marilyn Hausammann, vice president for human resources, and Bill Murphy, the director of labor relations, about the state of the negotiations. GAZETTE: Where do the talks stand right now? MURPHY: We’re continuing to negotiate. Since expiration of the agreement, we have met on numerous occasions, sometimes with the assistance of a mediator. GAZETTE: Could you elaborate on the kind of activity taking place during negotiations? MURPHY: Presently, formal meetings are being held at least once per week. And between meetings, we’re in contact with each other either via email or phone calls. I think both sides are meeting with their respective constituents and spending a lot of the time in between...