But even if the current controversy over the proposed benefits changes dies down soon, the topic is sure to reignite within the next year.

All of the seven contracts Harvard has with its workers' unions will expire over the next 13 months, and there will have to be new agreements with benefits provisions.

HUCTW members have already said they won't accept the stated benefits changes. Harvard is determined to limit its benefits spending. A conflict seems a good bet, if not inevitable.

"Not everybody can be happy with the outcome," Corvey said last month. "This is inevitably an issue on which reasonable people will disagree."

Employee Health Care

Harvard's coverage of lowest cost health plan, effective July 5, 1994. Annual Salary  Part time  Full time less than $45,000  70%  85% $45,000-$70,000  65%  80% more than $70,000  60%  75%

Faculty Pension Plan

Harvard's funding of the pension plan, effective July 5, 1994. Age  Harvard's annual contribution under 40  4% of pay up to wage base, 9% of pay over wage base 40 or older  10% of pay up to wage base, 15% of pay over wage base

(The 1994 Social Security wage base is $60,600.)

Retiree Medical Benefits

Harvard's annual cost-sharing contribution, effective July 5, 1994. Length of service  Part time  Full time 10 years  40%  50% 11-19 years  40-65%  50% plus 3% for each year after 10 years 20 years or more  65%  80%