Mediators Spur University, Union Contract Talks

The University and the Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers have been using a mediator to hasten the progress of negotiations on a new contract, sources said yesterday.

One source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said it is "common knowledge" among union members that an outside party is mediating the talks. Union leaders have said they try to keep their members fully informed of the negotiations' progress.

Before the mediation, which began about two weeks ago, the contract talks had stalled as management and union leaders wrangled over the size of a pay increase. Since then, both sides have reported progress, and the negotiations have increased in intensity.

The 3600-member Union was formed in 1989. Its three-year contract expired on June 30.

Union President Donene N. Williams said yesterday she "really can't say" whether the parties are involved in mediation.

Harvard Vice President for administration Sally H. Zeckhauser, who leads the management negotiating team, did not return a phone call from The Crimson yesterday. Vice President for Government, Community and Public Affairs John H. Shattuck, who had been acting as the management spokesperson, was out of town.

In an interview last week, President Neil L. Rudenstine said that mediation may speed progress toward a good agreement.

"I think mediation can help, yes, but amediator can only try to bring the sides togetherand try to close the gap," Rudenstine said. "Themediator can't be a binding presence."

Mediators From Outside

It could not be confirmed yesterday who themediators are, but sources said they come fromoutside Harvard. Both union and management leadershave agreed not to talk about the mediation.

Williams yesterday expressed optimism aboutrecent progress in the negotiations. "I feel likewe're starting to get somewhere," she said.

But Williams also said she was frustrated thatthe sides are still struggling over the salaryissue. "That's the biggest space between us rightnow," she said.

Williams said the University appears to be lessresistant to union demands for work security andfor education and child care funding.

"Basically, [such non-salary issues] don't costthem much money," she said.

The union will continue to fight for higherpay, its president said.

"I know the difference a percentage can make insomeone's salary, in someone's life," Williamssaid

"I think mediation can help, yes, but amediator can only try to bring the sides togetherand try to close the gap," Rudenstine said. "Themediator can't be a binding presence."

Mediators From Outside

It could not be confirmed yesterday who themediators are, but sources said they come fromoutside Harvard. Both union and management leadershave agreed not to talk about the mediation.

Williams yesterday expressed optimism aboutrecent progress in the negotiations. "I feel likewe're starting to get somewhere," she said.

But Williams also said she was frustrated thatthe sides are still struggling over the salaryissue. "That's the biggest space between us rightnow," she said.

Williams said the University appears to be lessresistant to union demands for work security andfor education and child care funding.

"Basically, [such non-salary issues] don't costthem much money," she said.

The union will continue to fight for higherpay, its president said.

"I know the difference a percentage can make insomeone's salary, in someone's life," Williamssaid