Provost Jerry R. Green says the University should be a role model, but not Big Brother.

As a practical matter, we really can't be involved in the labor practices of our own vendors," he says. "We'd be micro-managing other companies."

Dunlop says he doubts extending standards would result in micro-management.

In fact, Dunlop, who has a long history of dealing with labor affairs for both Harvard and national administrations, says he supports some type of University-wide policy.

"I've been advocating that for a long time," he says. "The idea is coming to be recognized in some businesses--I have often suggested to the University when they have asked me."

Dunlop says the University is quite capable of instituting standards. "There are all kinds of University standards. They must comply with federal standards for health and safety in the workplace. The IRS has standards."

And if the University does not take some action on the matter, says Dunlop, the matter may be taken out of its hands--especially under a national administration with a labor-sympathetic secretary of labor.

"All contracts say the contractor must agree to comply with all labor laws," he says. "The question is whether the University wishes to impose further standards on others where not required by statute. Failure to do so voluntarily will encourage more government standards."

'We try to bargain faithfully--I don't see it as so faithful on Harvard's part.' JAMES M. SHARP CARPENTERS UNION