Harvard University's Class Size Proposal Sparks Labor Dispute with Union
A proposed increase in class sizes at Harvard University has become a major point of contention in ongoing labor negotiations, with union representatives strongly objecting to what they describe as a unilateral change in working conditions. The dispute centers on Harvard's plan to expand sections of its introductory Expository Writing "Studio 10" courses from 10 to 15 students starting next academic year.
Bargaining Session Reveals Contentious Proposal
During a recent bargaining session, Harvard officials presented the class size increase as part of broader contract negotiations with the Harvard Academic Workers-United Auto Workers union. According to reports from the Associated Press, union representatives immediately raised objections, arguing that the move would significantly increase instructors' workload and should be subject to formal bargaining procedures.
Union representatives maintain that federal labor law requires employers to maintain existing conditions on key issues such as workload until a first contract is finalized. Bargaining committee member J. Gregory Given emphasized this point, stating through the AP that "there is no justification for bypassing their obligation to bargain with us over such a drastic change in workload."
University's Response and Legal Questions
Harvard University has disputed the union's characterization of the proposal. A university spokesperson described the class size adjustment as an academic decision and indicated that the institution remains open to discussions with the union regarding its potential effects. This disagreement raises important legal questions about whether increasing class size constitutes a mandatory subject of bargaining under U.S. labor law.
Labor law experts note that the distinction may not be straightforward. Risa L. Liberwitz, a professor at Cornell University, told the Associated Press that increasing class size effectively amounts to increasing workload. She added that even if a decision falls within an employer's discretion, its impact on working conditions may still require negotiation with employee representatives.
Impact on Course Structure and Instructional Model
The proposed change specifically targets Expository Writing Studio 10, a course designed for students who require more individualized instruction. This course has traditionally been limited to 10 students specifically to allow for regular one-on-one feedback and personalized attention.
Union representatives argue that increasing enrollment to 15 students would fundamentally alter how the course functions. According to Given, the change would affect both the structure of the program and the level of individual attention students receive, potentially compromising the educational quality that has defined Studio 10 courses.
Broader Context of Staffing Pressures
The class size proposal emerges against a backdrop of Harvard reducing hiring of non-tenure-track faculty amid financial constraints. Expository Writing represents a required course for first-year students, which limits the university's flexibility in reducing course offerings or making other adjustments.
Union officials suggest that any reduction in staffing is likely to be managed through adjustments such as larger class sizes. They argue that the burden of these changes would fall disproportionately on specific programs like Studio 10, which are designed to provide specialized support to students.
Ongoing Negotiations and Future Implications
This dispute unfolds as contract negotiations between Harvard and the union enter their 18th month. The union is currently conducting a strike authorization vote, indicating the seriousness of the impasse. At the latest bargaining session, the union presented proposals related to layoffs, job security, and appointment terms, while also raising concerns about protections for non-citizen workers.
According to AP reports, Harvard has rejected proposals to formalize certain policies related to cooperation with federal immigration authorities and declined to include provisions on potential green card sponsorship. Labor experts suggest that even if the union files a formal complaint, the most likely outcome would be a return to negotiations rather than immediate resolution.
Robert Bruno of the University of Illinois told the AP that the absence of genuine bargaining could complicate the process rather than resolve the dispute. Union representatives view the class size proposal as reflecting broader concerns about how negotiations are progressing, pointing to what they see as a troubling gap between discussions at the bargaining table and administrative decisions taken outside formal negotiation channels.
