More Money For The Men In Blue

The men in blue who patrol Harvard Yard moved a step closer to the counterparts in the Square last week when the University Police Union signed for a 5.5 per cent pay hike.

However, the pay scale for the Harvard police still starts lower, a $9422 a year, than that for the Cambridge Patrolmen, whose salaries begin at $11,000.

In addition to the wage boost, the patrolmen were granted a 2 per cent pay differential for working the night shifts.

However, a spokesman for the Patrolman's Association said that the union is still not satisfied with the contract.

Demands for pay raises in line with costs of living increases were rejected by the administration.

Another grievance is the dwindling size of the corps, most recently a drop from 58 to 53 men. In the same period there has been an increase in the number of violent crimes in the Harvard community, and the union wants another six men in uniform.

The spokesman said also that the administration will not provide liability insurance which would from policemen from responsibility for actions pursued in the cause of duty. The administration will provide for injuries incurred by the policemen.

The list of complaints goes on; the police say that Harvard has not made full disclosure of benefits, in violations of the National Labor Relations Act Perhaps, though, with the large checks they'll be getting now, the police will have fewer reasons to feel blue.