The Crossroads Project--which will continue throughout the month--will serve two vital functions, according to Zeckhauser. First, it will serve as a backdrop to set the mood and atmosphere for the negotiations. Second, the meetings will be a "diagnostic snapshot," which will highlight pertinent issues for both sides.
"I can't predict with confidence that all will go well, but I can predict that both sides will work hard--positively," she says.
No Secret What HUCTW Wants
But just because union and management have agreed to work together does not mean that there are not still differences. "It is no secret what we [HUCTW] want," Williams says.
She says that HUCTW's wish list for the new contract includes three main items: work security, structural pay increases and added health benefits.
Williams stresses the difference between work security and job security. "What we ask for is that we will always have a place at the University," even if particular job assignments need to change, Williams says.
Just like other unions, HUCTW also seeks "decent structural increases" in pay. In other words, as Williams says, "We want some good money."
And the union will ask for added child and dental care benefits--concentrating especially on coverage for same-sex couples.
Williams attributes the optimistic attitude of union members to HUCTW's strength and philosophy. The negotiations will proceed smoothly, Williams predicts, because "our union is very strong."
"We work under the premise that there is always hope for change and there is always hope for progress."
HUCTW success and positive attitude has won it a respected role in the national labor scene. Williams says that the union has helped organize similar groups at the University of Minnesota, the University of Massachusetts at Worcester, Tufts University and Middlebury College.
"The successes that we have had are now starting to catch on in other places," she says. So, she concludes, the outcome of these negotiations is extremely important. "This is for the future of the labor movement," she says.
The two sides both acknowledge that the path to an eventual settlement will be rocky at times. But members from both sides say they are looking forward to the challenge.
"It will be an interesting time," says Zeckhauser, "And, I'm feeling very positive about it."
Such optimism is also coming from the very top. In his address at this week's Crossroads event, President Neil L. Rudenstine expressed his confidence in both negotiating parties.
"We have to anticipate some dificulties," he said. "We are going to make mistakes, but I think we can do this."