Your September 22 editorial on the HUCTW negotiations appears to rest on a misunderstanding about the University's position and thus needs at least a brief response.

The University has indicated its willingness to provide employees represented by HUCTW with an average pay increase as high as four percent during the first year of a three years contract. The University is willing to include in that four percent not only a base increase but also a "progression" increase (what the editorial refers to as "seniority pay"). A progression increase, of course, would be an integral part of an overall average raise. The University is flexible on the relative size of any progression increase, consistent with maintaining an overall average increase of four percent by the end of the first year of the contract. The University has also made clear its willingness to continue all existing benefits, and even to enhance elements of the benefits package.

The editorial calls on the University to grant the HUCTW a four percent pay increase. The University has expressed its willingness to do just that. Vice President for Government, Community and Public Affairs