“We have learned that management ignored these good-faith attempts to resolve the problem,” PSLM wrote in the letter.
PSLM also characterized the dispute as part of a larger University campaign against labor rights. They said the action could be seen as an attempt to remove Fenstermacher and subcontract jobs previously held by union members—a concern that HUCTW members have expressed as well.
“We see management’s illegal retaliation against Mr. Fenstermacher as part of a general campaign against Union membership, rights and representation in the Facilities Department,” PSLM wrote.
Carens began to rally support for Fenstermacher in the days leading up to last Wednesday’s semi-annual HUCTW membership meeting. He distributed a flyer to many HUCTW members accusing union leadership of being too weak in advocacy, including in Fenstermacher’s case.
“We need a stronger approach!” the flyer read.
—Staff writer Stephen M. Marks can be reached at marks@fas.harvard.edu.