[act-ma] Union Rep under attack! Please help

[Geoff Carens]

Dear All,


Harvard Library Assistant Karen O’Brien has been a very energetic HUCTW*
union rep for 35+ years. Due to the pandemic, and the stresses it inflicted
on employees, her activism skyrocketed, with Karen objecting to
understaffing, advocating for safer working conditions, and cautioning
Harvard against calling remote staff back to the office prematurely. In
response, Karen’s boss Lars Klint rebuked her in front of colleagues when
she was pushing for safety improvements. Not long afterwards, a promised
promotion was denied, and Karen was even demoted, with a big loss in
salary! While charges have been filed with the National Labor Relations
Board, and Karen has initiated a union grievance, Harvard needs to hear
right away that retaliation for union activity is intolerable.

Join the virtual picket line! Call and email Harvard’s Director of Labor
Relations, Paul Curran, at 617 496-9193, paul_curran at harvard.edu. Suggested
message:

It is unconscionable that HUCTW Rep Karen O’Brien has been demoted in
retaliation for her demands of safe work for union members! Please use your
influence to ensure Karen is promoted as promised. All employees deserve a
healthy working environment!

You can cc me, Karen’s union rep, on the emails (geoff.carens at gmail.com).
Feel free to forward this message as widely as possible.

In Solidarity,

Geoff Carens, Union Rep, HUCTW / AFSCME Local 3650

(they/them)

*Harvard Union of Clerical & Technical Workers