History
You can see arguments--and archival footage--about why student workers need a union here (they still hold up today)!
For nearly four years, students organize tirelessly to win a union election--in the face of union-busting tactics from the University. The NLRB throws out the results of the first election--and calls for a new election--after finding that Harvard had left workers off of voter lists.
Over 56% of voters cast ballots in favor of unionization. On May 1, 2018, the NLRB certified our victory. Our local number, 5118, is based on that historic day.
After a year and a half of bargaining without progress, student workers go on strike for 29 days.
Our first contract is ratified with 97% support; it goes into effect July 1st, and is a one year contract.
You can read the bargaining goals that we set out with here--these goals were informed by our membership-wide bargaining survey and approved by a membership-wide vote.
As bargaining progresses, we see again and again that strike pressure is what moves Harvard. This culminates right before our first contract's expiration, when we deliver a Strike Organizing Commitment Letter with 500+ signatures--and see the first movement on compensation from the university.
Student Workers vote to extend the contract by two months, to allow more time for bargaining--while we keep organizing toward a strike.
With our no-strike clause expired with the contract and little progress on key issues (compensation, union security, harassment and discrimination) we hold a Strike Authorization Vote at the end of September.
Our strike coincides with first-year parents' weekend, causing major disruptions.
Our second contract is ratified with 72% support and goes into effect, retroactive to July 1st.
Decide what your union fights for next--and enforce the gains that our organizing has won!
