HUERA Hits AFL Overture To Employees

HUERA members forcibly ejected one of two AFL pamphlet passers from Burr Hall last night before a special meeting convened to discuss combatting the AFL's latest overtures to University employees.

University policemen then denied the American Federation of Labor organizers the right to pass out literature outside the hall on Harvard property. Heated arguing with the pamphlet passers preceded the meeting at which HUERA members voted unanimously to oppose the AFL.

Earlier yesterday Matthew L. McGrath, New England director of the AFL affiliated Building Service Employees International Association, claimed that he has received election petitions from the necessary 30 percent of University employees approached, and will file a petition for an election as soon as possible.

AFL Petition May 1

Massachusetts law prohibits petition to the state Labor Relations Board prior to 80 days before the Harvard University Representatives Association contract expires on June 30. McGrath said he would continue his organizational efforts until he files the petition on May 1.

The 120 HUERA members present also delivered a vote of confidence to new union president Mrs. Helen Maynard. Formerly vice-president, she ascended to the presidency following Burr Hall janitor Elwyn Wyman's sudden resignation two weeks ago.

"We are not a bit afraid of the AFL," she said. "We are going to fight it to the last ditch."

At present, Harvard remains the lone university in the Boston area not in the AFL fold. The AFL drive is the first since its defeat two years ago, and the largest yet made at the University.

McGrath indicated that he had approached the Building and Groundsmen as well as the HUERA.