AFL to Campaign For Full Control Over Maid Union

With "Security to the Worker" as its slogan, the American Federation of Labor has launched another campaign to seize control of the Harvard University Employees Representative Association, Matthew L. McGrath of the AFL disclosed yesterday.

McGrath, the Building Service International Representative to the AFL, promised if his union gets control, it will make sure maids and janitors get the "security they should have."

Attacks Maid Cut

The University's announced cuts in maid service were attacked sharply by McGrath. He said, "With the University's income at a new high, there is no reason for it to suddenly lay off maids."

"If Harvard lays off maids today, what is to prevent it from laying off janitors tomorrow?" he asked. "There should be more security offered the workers, and an independent union like HUERA just can not offer the protection a large union like the AFL can."

For the AFL to gain control of HUERA, the State Labor Relations Board must hold an election of HUERA's membership. The Board will generally grant an election if 30 percent of a union sign petition cards.

Many Cards Received

"Our campaign is only in its nebulous stage," McGrath said, "but we are receiving a large number of cards daily." "We should be able to hold an election in the very near future," he promised.

Last spring, the AFL held an election of HUERA's members, but was soundly rejected by the maids. The vote of the janitors was very close, however.

When asked if the University's new maid policy would affect an election, McGrath said, "It certainly won't hurt us."