February 22, 1988: At a rally attended by approximately 700 employees, students and other supporters, HUCTW announces that it has received 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.

March 28, 1988:Negotiations between the University and the union begin at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

April 7, 1988:After a little more than a week of mediated negotiations between the union and Harvard, the NLRB sets May 17 as the date for a union election. Under the agreement, 41 employees--whose eligibility in the election was contested--have their ballots set aside, to be used only if necessary.

May 12, 1988:HUCTW holds a final rally in the Old Cambridge Baptitst Church five days before the election.

May 17, 1988:HUCTW is elected the sole bargaining agent for the nearly 3400 support staff workers by a narrow 44-vote margin.