More Than 160 Harvard Club Workers Vote to Unionize With UFCW Local 1445

Workers at the Harvard Club of Boston voted overwhelmingly to unionize with United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1445 earlier this month, bringing more than 160 employees at the private Back Bay club into the union.

The unit includes workers across dining, wellness, athletics, and lodging operations at the Harvard-affiliated social club, which serves alumni and other members with restaurants, event spaces, and athletic facilities.

According to a statement from UFCW Local 1445, the organizing effort was driven by concerns over “wages, benefits, and fair representation” amid rising costs of living.

Employees said in a press release that the vote followed a lengthy effort to build support across departments.

Arturo Hernandez, a kitchen employee of 17 years, described the union drive as a “hard-fought and well-deserved victory.”

“We enjoy the work we do but we know that we need protection on the job and having a union is the best way to ensure we have it,” he said. “We look forward to sitting down with leadership of the Harvard Club and bargaining for a strong contract to provide meaningful gains for workers in every department.”

Other workers pointed to increased financial strain despite the club’s high-end clientele.

Susana Cabrera, a waitress of 25 years at the club’s Veritas restaurant, said many employees have felt “the crunch with our pay not matching the increased cost of living.”

“We worked hard to engage our coworkers throughout this process, and we’re overjoyed now that we see the light at the end of the tunnel and a way to improve pay and benefits with the help of the union,” she said.

The Harvard Club, which has operated for more than a century, functions as an exclusive gathering space for Harvard alumni and other members. Membership fees for Greater Boston residents begin at $130 per month, with additional revenue generated through dining and private events.

A spokesperson for the Harvard Club of Boston said the organization is committed to working with the union.

“The Harvard Club values all of its employees and strives to create a positive workplace environment,” spokesperson Diana Pisciotta wrote in a statement. “We have a long history of productive and respectful relationships with the union representing our team members.”

“We are looking forward to developing a relationship with UFCW and working together toward a fair contract agreement that continues our commitment to offering our employees market competitive wages,” she added.

UFCW Local 1445 President Fernando Lemus said the union is prepared to begin negotiations.

“We know what it’s like to fight for members focusing on preparing great food and drinks and providing expert customer service,” he said. “Harvard Club members pay a premium for the exclusive environment, and these workers make that experience worth their money.”

“We look forward to bargaining a strong contract to ensure they are paid accordingly,” he added.

—Staff writer Noah A. Ferris can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @noahaferris.