Kim A. Roberts '78 has been appointed as Harvard's new Director of Labor Relations, a decision welcomed by the leaders of Harvard's unions who applauded Roberts' labor background.

For the past 17 years, she worked for the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), where she was responsible for overall coordination, planning and direction of collective bargaining activities for the national union and 30 local unions.

"She knows the ins and outs of negotiation," said Domene M. Williams, president of the Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers (HUCTW). "She's going to know what unions are about and that's a huge bonus."

Roberts arrives at a time of tranquility for the Office of Human Resources (OHR). Two of Harvard's largest unions--HUCTW and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU)--recently approved contract extensions and amendments during the period without a director.

Williams said she is glad to have a cushion between Roberts' appointment and the next contract negotiation.

After last-minute negotiations with departing director of labor relations Timothy Manning late last-year, HUCTW approved an extension of its contract until 2001.

"It's actually a good time to get to know a new director of labor relations," Williams said.

The University will announce the SEIU contract amendment today. SEIU's 300 Harvard members approved the new contract on September 1, although certain economic terms are retroactive to July 1.

It will remain in effect until November 1999.

The amendment increases wages, improves some benefits and more clearly defines work units, according to a University press release.