Linda Hill-White, Patricia McGarry, and Roel Torres step into leadership roles in the Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers (HUCTW)
On Tuesday, February 16, 2021, members of HUCTW, a Harvard University union that serves approximately 5,300 employees, counted the mail-in votes submitted for this year's election. In the race to fill seven openings, three Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology staff won. As of last week, Linda Hill-White, Patricia McGarry, and Roel Torres are Biology & Chemistry Local Union Representatives.
Union Representatives are like two-way radios: They amplify the voices of union staff members, so they can reach beyond siloed areas (like departments), and they share resources, support, and actions from the union leadership down into those silos. As the HUCTW says on their website, "perhaps the most important work of our Union is staying in regular contact with each other, discussing workplace issues, large or small, as they arise."
Any union member may run for a position, and representatives hold their office for a one-year term. In the next year, Linda, Patricia and Roel will serve our community (and beyond). So, to help you get to know them, we asked them three questions: Why did you run? What do you hope to accomplish? And, what does HUCTW mean to you? Read their answers below:
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Financial Associate |
Why did you run? "I chose to run for the role [of HUCTW Union Representative] because I wanted to represent employees who felt unheard and unanswered.
I chose to run because I wanted other rank and file employees to see me and relate to my role and position with Harvard University, so they would feel comfortable bringing forth their complaints and understand that I would present their grievances to management fairly and without bias. I also chose to run for representative because of the under-represented minorities within Harvard and CCB."
What do you hope to accomplish most? "Making sure Harvard University maintains diversity and treats employees fairly and equitably no matter their “rank & file.” That all human resource policies and job expectations are extended and communicated to all employees, and to nurture Harvard University’s labor management relationships."
What does HUCTW represent for you? "HUCTW represents a platform that protects the rights and interests of its members and an important source of information for Harvard employees. I believe participating in HUCTW gives me power to negotiate better working conditions, be it inclusion, diversity, or even a better understanding of cultural differences within the workplace.
I actually think that CCB and the HUCTW have a good history of working together. But I also believe that CCB could do better in respecting HUCTW and what it fights for on behalf of its employees."
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Laboratory Administrator, Gordon Group |
Why did you run? "Even though I've always been a union advocate, I wasn't aware there was an opening until a colleague nominated me."
What do you hope to accomplish most? "I'm looking forward to working with my colleagues and hearing their needs and concerns. This is a contract year, and I hope to use my mediation background from HLS to come to the table for a collaborative negotiation."
What does HUCTW represent for you? "It feels like I've come full circle. While working at the Kennedy School in the late 80's, I was part of an organizing committee with current HUCTW Organizer, Bill Jaeger. I remember hearing stories of employees, mostly women, who could not survive on their Harvard salaries; I thought the union would fix this disparity. While one of the earliest slogans was 'It's not anti-Harvard to be pro-union,' what I remember most is 'We Can't Live Off Prestige.'
I believe the union and CCB have a good rapport. As we move forward, open communication and ongoing meetings will help this relationship progress."
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Laboratory Administrator, Heller, Shakhnovich, and Corey Groups |
Why did you run? "Susan Kinsella approached me to serve as a Union member on the CCB Joint Council with Elizabeth Lennox, Deana Reardon, Mat Lalonde, Pam Mullaney, Susan Kinsella, and Linda Hill-White in December of 2017. After representing the Union informally for a year, Pam Mullaney nominated me to run as a Union Rep in 2019. I ran unopposed and served in the role last year and chose to run again this year as an incumbent. I know that as an employee, I have benefited greatly from the hard work on the Union. I feel honored to represent HUCTW. I believe it’s a great organization, and I am happy to donate my time and effort to the group."
What do you hope to accomplish most? "This is a negotiation year, which makes it a particularly important one for Union reps. I want to represent the concerns of the Union members in Biology and Chemistry, and I want to be able to report back knowledgeably about updates and developments in the negotiation process, which is critical for the professional security and benefit of all Union members."
What does HUCTW represent for you? "Our Union, like many great unions, represents protection for labor and a collective voice for their interests. Whether it’s compensation, paid time off (sick days/personal days/vacation days), health care, or any of the myriad of important issues to the workers of Harvard, it’s good to know that there is an organization dedicated to representing employees."
