BREAKING: Harvard dining hall workers overwhelmingly authorize strike

Harvard dining hall workers authorize strike

97% vote to strike, to take place in 2 weeks if no resolution

CAMBRIDGE, MA—Harvard dining hall workers voted 591 “yes” to 18 “no” with 609 ballots cast yesterday to authorize a strike. Their contract covers 750 workers across Harvard University campuses and will expire at midnight tonight.

Workers’ have two core demands: a $35,000 sustainable yearly income and affordable health care.

The average Harvard dining services worker made less than $35,000 last year. While many employees want to work a full 52-week year, the average Harvard dining services worker only received 38 weeks of work.

The Harvard administration insists workers pay more for medical services including seeing a doctor for preventative care.

“We are the first people to greet Harvard students in the morning and make sure they are fed and healthy,” said 35-year Harvard dining services employee Anabela Pappas. “But if Harvard makes these changes, many of us will have to neglect a visit to the doctor.”

Students are showing overwhelming support. The editorial board of The Harvard Crimson published an editorial supporting the strike. Harvard Medical School students, clad in white coats, held a rally at the Longwood Medical campus Monday. Undergraduates launched a support petition that has garnered 2,460 signatures.

“I support our HUDS workers because they go above and beyond for me,” said Itzel Vasquez-Rodriguez, a Senior with a dietary preference who lives in Kirkland. “They make sure I’m healthy and I want to do the same for them.”

Dining hall workers will meet with the Harvard administration on Friday for the 15th session of bargaining, which began May 20. An additional session with a federal mediator is scheduled for September 27.

“Workers employed by the wealthiest university on the planet should not have to strike, but they will if they must,” said UNITE HERE Local 26 lead negotiator Michael Kramer. “We’re prepared to give the University 2 weeks to come to a suitable resolution.”

For Immediate Release: September 16, 2016

Contact: Tiffany Ten Eyck, [email protected], 313-515-1807

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BREAKING: HUDS Workers Prepare to Strike

Brandeis University workers ratify new contract

Congrats to our members at Brandeis University in Waltham for ratifying a new contract. They won $1.50 wage increases that will bring the full rate for almost all positions up to $20 an hour by the end of the contract. We also secured lower health care costs – with savings of more than $1500 for family coverage next year.

Our work raising standards in university food service in the Boston area is not over, nor at Brandeis, where on the same day as the ratification 40 workers held a delegation to fight hours cuts.

Boston City Council President Wu Stands with Harvard Club of Boston Employees

Thank you Harvard alumni and Boston City Council President Michelle Wu for standing with employees of the Harvard Club of Boston last week.

Harvard and Ivy League alumni are needed to show support for workers who serve alumni at the Club. Sign today.

Michelle-Wu-Harvard-Club-web

Boston City Council President Michelle Wu stands with Harvard Club of Boston employees Juan Carlos Galdamez, Vidal Arevelo, Julio Rodriquez, and Manuel Lazo.

Harvard Club Employees Protest Proposed Health Plan Changes

Members of on-campus activist organization Student Labor Action Movement joined UNITE HERE Local 26 members to rally outside the Harvard Club of Boston on Thursday evening in protest of proposed changes to employee health care plans, which they say would raise out-of-pocket costs for employees. Local 26 serves Boston’s hotel and food service workers and represents Harvard Club staff.