Workers still without contracts

University extended agreement deadline due to U2 concert. The operating engineers of stationary local 835 and the University have not yet reached an agreement in continuing contract negotiations. The University extended the June 1 agreement deadline for another week due to Sunday's U2 concert -- a large-scale event which requires the aid of the engineers. "U2 told us they wouldn't cross picket lines if there was a labor dispute," said one engineer who requested anonymity. He added that a state mediator is scheduled to arrive on campus Friday to help the University and the engineers draw up a contract that is agreeable to both sides. But the engineers will still have to vote on the contract. If they do not approve the new agreement, a strike will ensue. The engineers' two major grievances with the contract concern the lay-off policy and the health benefits plan. According to an anonymous worker, the University wants to remove the lay-off policy -- which allows for lay-offs but requires the University to compensate workers for the duration of their contract -- from the engineers' previous contract. He added that the University's contract would also put a freeze on medical benefits. Currently, the University pays for most of the engineers' coverage, with the engineers paying for the remaining medical expenses. But the University contract would put a freeze on benefits at the current level, regardless of any increase in medical expenses. "We would incur all additional costs," the engineer said. He added that the operating engineers have no intention of agreeing to the University's proposed contract without the modification of the clauses in question. The proposed decrease in the engineers' benefits follows last year's three percent contract reduction. "The University says they have no money," the engineer said. "For the past years they have taken back things from us. There is nothing in our envelopes?We will strike." As a demonstration of unity, the engineers will hold a rally on College Green today for a half an hour during their lunch break, beginning at noon. The engineer explained that they are holding the rally at this time so they do not waste any of the University's money by getting paid while they are not working. University officials could not be reached for comment, and physical plant director James Wargo did not return repeated phone calls.