Harvard University is currently embroiled in a contentious debate regarding proposed changes to class sizes in its Expository Writing courses, a situation that has ignited significant pushback from union representatives. This dispute arises during ongoing labor negotiations between the university and the Harvard Academic Workers-United Auto Workers union, highlighting the complexities of academic labor relations.
At a recent bargaining session, Harvard officials revealed plans to increase the enrollment in sections of its introductory Expository Writing "Studio 10" courses from 10 to 15 students, set to take effect in the upcoming academic year. This proposal has raised alarms among union members, who argue that it represents a unilateral alteration of working conditions that should be subject to negotiation.
Union representatives contend that federal labor law mandates employers to maintain existing conditions regarding workload until a first contract is finalized. J. Gregory Given, a member of the bargaining committee, emphasized the significance of this issue, stating, "There is no justification for bypassing their obligation to bargain with us over such a drastic change in workload."
Harvard's Position on Class Size Increase
In response to the union's objections, a spokesperson for Harvard characterized the proposed change as an academic decision rather than a labor issue. The university maintains that it is open to discussions regarding the implications of this change on faculty workload and student learning experiences. However, the crux of the disagreement lies in whether the increase in class size constitutes a mandatory subject for bargaining.
Legal experts in labor relations suggest that the distinction may not be as clear-cut as Harvard asserts. Risa L. Liberwitz, a professor at Cornell University, pointed out that increasing class sizes directly correlates with an increase in workload for instructors. She noted that even if a decision appears to fall within an employer's discretion, its consequences may still necessitate negotiation.
Impact on Expository Writing Courses
The Expository Writing Studio 10 course is specifically designed for students requiring more individualized instruction, typically capped at 10 students to facilitate regular one-on-one feedback. Union representatives argue that raising the enrollment limit would fundamentally alter the course's structure and diminish the level of individual attention that students receive.
This proposed change comes at a time when Harvard is also reducing the hiring of non-tenure-track faculty due to financial constraints, further complicating the situation. Expository Writing is a mandatory course for first-year students, which limits the university's ability to reduce course offerings without impacting student requirements.
Union officials have expressed concerns that any reduction in staffing will likely be managed through larger class sizes, placing additional burdens on specific programs such as Studio 10. This situation raises critical questions about the quality of education and the support available to students as class sizes increase.
Ongoing Labor Negotiations
The dispute over class size is unfolding as contract negotiations between Harvard and the union enter their 18th month. The union is currently conducting a strike authorization vote, reflecting the heightened tensions surrounding these discussions. During the latest bargaining session, the union put forth proposals addressing layoffs, job security, and appointment terms, while also raising concerns about protections for non-citizen workers.
Despite the union's efforts to formalize certain policies regarding cooperation with federal immigration authorities, Harvard has rejected these proposals, including those related to potential green card sponsorship. Labor experts suggest that even if the union files a complaint regarding the class size changes, the likely outcome would be a return to negotiations rather than a resolution of the dispute.
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Broader Implications for Academic Labor Relations
The ongoing negotiations and disputes at Harvard reflect broader trends in academic labor relations, particularly concerning the rights and working conditions of non-tenure-track faculty. Union representatives have indicated that the class size proposal is indicative of larger concerns regarding the negotiation process, pointing to a disconnect between discussions at the bargaining table and administrative decisions made outside of it.
This situation underscores the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between university administrations and faculty unions, particularly in times of financial strain. As institutions like Harvard navigate budgetary constraints, the impact on educational quality and faculty workload must remain a priority in negotiations.
