My name is Sebastian Spitz, I am a 3L at HLS and a union steward.
Yesterday’s bargaining session was my fourth time attending bargaining, and it was perhaps the most important one yet, with five student workers testifying about the inadequacy of Harvard’s Title IX process to address student workers’ needs, and the necessity of allowing student-workers who choose so to access independent arbitration for cases of harassment and discrimination, as they can for other provisions of the contract, and be protected against retaliation for doing so. These student worker testimonies were compelling and convincing. We heard student workers:
- Discuss how their program’s academic opportunities are far less numerous for students trying to avoid working with abusers.
- Describe the inadequacy of the committees Harvard has formed to address harassment and discrimination.
- Talk about their experience navigating Harvard’s Title IX process for the past 2 years, and the frequency of abuse within their department.
- Describe issues working with the administration on harassment/discrimination/retaliation cases through the Contract Enforcement and Education Committee, such as corrosion of trust in the administration, confusing processes, and lack of timelines for resolution.
After the testimony, the University reiterated that it didn’t want to create a pathway for a neutral 3rd party to review these cases because it was important to maintain a “consistent” set of policies university-wide, despite their acknowledgement that there is a “systemic problem” and a “culture” of abuse.
The Bargaining Committee also presented a counterproposal on academic retaliation, sticking to its original position that there be the option of neutral 3rd-party arbitration for all cases of harassment and discrimination. It’s important to provide strong protections against retaliation so that workers feel comfortable enough to file complaints in the first place. The University says it recognizes this, but wants to carve out retaliation protections from our grievance procedure, leaving investigations in the hands of Harvard employees with a clear conflict of interest.
The other major proposal by the Bargaining Committee was regarding health care. Based on the bargaining survey and the policies at other universities, the Bargaining Committee is proposing 100% coverage for individual and dependent health care and dental insurance (people who work less than 100 hours in a 6-month period would have to pay a portion of their premium). “Dependents” would also be expanded to include other qualified adults, to make sure student workers’ loved ones are covered, especially international and queer student workers. This new health proposal would give everyone dental coverage for the first time, and would provide health coverage to around 1,600 new workers. Despite this huge expansion in coverage, the Bargaining Committee estimates their proposal would only cost approximately an additional $14 million per year, which is about 8% of what Harvard spends on salaries and benefits for our unit. The Bargaining Committee is also proposing collaboration with the University to improve mental health coverage and access.
The best way to show your support now is to attend bargaining and see for yourself Harvard’s bargaining positions. As someone who is not a member of the Bargaining Committee, I find these sessions incredibly informative. Bargaining is a great place for someone who wants to learn about the union to see it in action, or for someone who is already involved to step up support. It was amazing to see almost 180 student workers watch yesterday’s bargaining session, and I look forward to seeing you at upcoming bargaining sessions. RSVP here for the next sessions on May 18th (3-5 PM EDT) and May 24th (9AM-12PM EDT) and join your union here.
Sincerely,
Sebastian Spitz, Steward, Harvard Law School
