Forming a More Perfect Union

The Teamsters threw unionizing shuttle bus drivers a life preserver this week, but the drivers preferred to continue treading water.

The drivers decided Sunday to ask Teamsters Local 379 for union affiliation. After researching National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) precedents, the Teamsters decided Wednesday that the NLRB would dismiss the drivers' petition for a union election "in a minute."

But the Teamsters did agree to support the drivers, even if it could not be done through the NLRB. "We're ready to go and shut down Harvard if we could," a Teamsters spokesman said.

Between the drivers' first contact with the Teamsters and Local 379's offer of assistance, the University entered the picture. Officials denied that their action had anything to do with driver protests, but they decided Tuesday to revise the shuttle schedule--a move that had been one of the drivers' chief demands.

By next Tuesday, shuttle buses will run every 15 minutes instead of every 12 minutes, Carl V. Swanson, superintendent of central services for Buildings and Grounds, said this week.

On each of the drivers' other demands, the University remained silent. Edward W. Powers, associate general counsel for employee relations, repeatedly refused comment on whether the University would honor the drivers' fundamental request--that Harvard recognize their right to unionize.

Still, the drivers slowly interpreted the three-minute schedule adjustment as a moral victory. Thomas E. Curtis '81, a representative for the drivers, said Wednesday the schedule change "should not have any effect on our plans to unionize." The next day, however, Curtis said the drivers probably would not proceed with plans to unionize.

"The University will not admit that we pressured them into making changes, but when I see other drivers they tell me, 'Wow, we won,''' Curtis said Wednesday.

The shuttle saga began almost three weeks ago when a group of drivers threatened to strike unless the University granted them a pay increase. Since they dove into a pool of self-generated controversy, the drivers have backstroked away from any definitive action.