February 6, 1988: Civil rights leader Coretta Scott King writes a letter to Harvard support staff endorsing HUCTW and its parent union, AFSCME.
February 22, 1988: At a rally attended by approximately 700 employees, students and other supporters, HUCTW announces that it has recieved signed union cards from a majority of support staff and that it will file its petition for an election by the end of March.
March 1, 1988: Rep. Barney Frank '62 (D-Mass.) writes a letter endorsing HUCTW and criticizing the antiunion campaigning of the University. Sen Edward M. Kennedy '54 (D-Mass.) and his nephew Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy II (D-Mass.) also say they support the union's efforts.
March 7, 1988: 1000 students sign a petition urging the University to remain neutral during the union campaign.
March 8, 1988: University administrators begin holding "informational meetings," outlining the University's position on the union for support staff members.
March 14, 1988: HUCTW files its petition for an election with the NLRB. At the same time, union members hand-deliver letters to the homes of the Corporation members, requesting that they assist in ensuring a quick election.