"There seems to have been some confusion that because there is a committee that can continue to discuss [benefits] that none of these changes will go into effect," Touborg said. "The implementation of these changes [was]... agreed to in the contract."

"The contract is settled. There are still ongoing discussions about benefits," she said. "Both of those things are true."

HUCTW's letter and Corvey's memo have other disparities.

"In order to allow a meaningful, joint process to work in the JCB, it may be necessary to delay, lengthen or re-open the open enrollment period," the HUCTW letter reads.

"Under no conditions will the open enrollment period be delayed, lengthened or re-opened," Corvey's memo says in bold print.

According to the JCB's charter, the committee can "examine," "review," "recommend" and "provide guidance" on a wide array of benefits policies, including "existing programs."

Any recommendations the JCB makes must be reviewed by the provost, and, if forwarded, would then need the approval of the president and the Corporation, the University's highest governing body, to become policy.

Last year, a committee for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences forwarded a recommendation to halt the one percent pension decrease. The Corporation rejected that proposal.

Donene M. Williams, the president of HUCTW, said this week she was surprised by Corvey's memo.

"I don't completely understand the tone or the specifics of her memo," Williams said. "I wasn't expecting it, and I wouldn't say it's an accurate representation. The dealings with her on the committee have been cordial and optimistic."

Despite these differing views of the JCB, union leadership remained positive about the committee's deliberations.

Williams said she thought the first meeting of the committee, which took place on October 6, "was generally very good."

"Our whole team was pleased we were able to [get to work]," she said.

Union Director Jaeger said HUCTW "had a chance to make it clear that we have long-term hopes and urgent short-term concerns" and called the deliberations "serious" and "healthy."

Jaeger said he hoped the committee's talks will bring about change in the current levels of University contribution to health care plans.

"We're pretty determined to have a positive, constructive process that can withstand temporary confusion," Jaeger said