Union Visits Bok, Holds Vigil

About 150 members of the Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers (HUCTW) marched to President Bok's house last night to hold a candlight vigil supporting union recognition.

Singing "We Shall Overcome," the marchers coursed through Harvard Square in pairs as pedestrians applauded and passing drivers honked in approval. Although Bok's yellow house at 33 Elmwood Street was dark last night during the vigil, protesters didn't seem to mind.

"I don't know if he'll be home, but I'm sure he'll find out," Marie Manna, a HUCTW organizer, said.

Marchers said their vigil was held to signify strong support for the union as Harvard's deadline to appeal this week's ruling by a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) judge draws near.

With only seven days left, Bok must decide whether to seek a decision from the full NLRB examining the legitimacy of the May vote approving the union.

In April, HUCTW members used candlelight vigils before Bok's house to press their point and have also held one in front of Holyoke Center.

Union organizers hoped last night that University officials would come to a decision before the deadline. "One vigil doesn't get you what you want, but this is part of an effective strategy," Tina Casteris, a research assistant at the Medical School said.

"Last year's vigils were effective, because we got [the early election date]," Casteris said.

"I don't see why they have to wait until November 4--the last possible minute," Manna said. "It should be a very simple thing to recognize the union."

The spirit of the evening wascommunity-oriented, organizers said. "We want thisbickering to be over with," Manna said. "Thisisn't a rally."

"It's a way to show how strongly we feel aboutthe issue--but to show it very politely," saidElizabeth E. Ruddick '88-'89. "We're showing ourcommitment without disrupting the University."

Union members sang familiar tunes withcustomized lyrics, such as "McHarvard," avariation on the McDonald's television advertisingjingle, and "If We Had a Union" to the tune of "IfI Had a Hammer." A few participants brought theiryoung children along, carrying thempiggyback-style as they marched.

If the University does not recognize the uniontoday, members will plan another vigil that maytake place next week at Holyoke Center, they said