harvard union of clerical & technical workers____



Work Security


Work Security is a program to help our layoffs. The goal of the Work Security program is to place laid off union members into comparable jobs at Harvard. In our contract, the program sets forth language about preference for layoff candidates, calls for salary and benefit continuation, and designates the role of Case Managers to assist in successful placement.

We know that change happens, especially in this academic environment which is putting more emphasis on technology and science. The Harvard workplace will keep changing and growing and evolving and we support this. Our Work Security program helps HUCTW members stay at the Univeristy for their work and careers, throughout the changes.

Our negotiated policies include:
  • Mandatory 60-day notice, in writing, before any layoff not due to unexpected loss of grant funding (in which case notice must be no less than 30 days)
  • Members staying on the payroll with full pay and benefits (4-8 months, depending on the individual situation) while looking for another job
  • Access to a Case Manager who makes advocacy calls for specific jobs; helps prepare for interviews; helps fine-tune resumes, cover letters, and thank you notes; gathers feedback from interviews
  • Free skill-building courses at the Center for Workplace Development (CWD)

On-line Information and Tools for Current Work Security Candidates

Our negotiated policies include:
See the "Case Management Resources" column
on the right for the following:
  • Case Management Planner
  • How Ready Are You for the Job Hunt
  • Skills Assessment
  • Bridge Booster Program
  • Work Security Candidate Activity Tracker
  • Career Development
  • How HUCTW layoff candidates register for free CWD classes
  • Open Office Hours (HR informational interviews)