Last month, however, differences arose between the University and HUCTW as to the actual role of the JCB.

Administration members objected to the Union's use of the word "negotiation" in some HUCTW literature to describe the JCB's deliberations and stressed that the committee's role is an advisory one.

But HUCTW remains positive about the JCB.

"The University's representatives, I'm happy to say, are engaged," Jacger said. "I want you to know that real, meaningful union-management talks are actively taking place on a number of benefits issues."

However, HUCTW members continue to use the word "negotiate" and stress that changes can be made before the current benefits package take effect.

"Basically, we want to encourage the University to stick to the agreement and continue to negotiate rather than drop the ball at this point," Mary Barton-Lech, a HUCTW member who attended the rally