Picketing Expands Across Campus, Demonstrators Block Divinity Avenue Traffic

Picketing activity spread across campus around midday as small groups of union workers moved between classroom buildings and gathering points in Harvard Yard.

Seven demonstrators gathered outside the Harvard Art Museums’ Broadway entrance shortly after noon, appearing to protest large classes held in the museum’s Menschel Hall. GenEd 1204: “Why Democracy” — scheduled from 12 to 1 p.m. — was held without interruption in the space at the time.

Workers began chanting and circling the entrance at approximately 12:20 pm, before relocating to the museum’s main entrance on Quincy Street roughly 20 minutes later.

“What’s up? Time’s up!” picketers chanted as passing cars honked in support. Students continued to enter through a side entrance on their way to class.

As of 1 p.m., picketers were stationed outside Emerson Hall, the Science Center, and the Harvard Art Museums. The group outside Emerson Hall had grown to at least 11 demonstrators, while those who had previously circled Sever Hall dispersed. About 12 picketers remained at the Science Center.

Some students joined in chants as they passed by, while others stopped to listen as demonstrators listed demands.

“What’s outrageous?” picketers chanted. “Harvard’s wages!”

On Divinity Avenue, roughly 10 striking workers obstructed traffic outside William James Hall, temporarily blocking cars from passing. Several vehicles turned around to seek alternate routes as demonstrators shouted demands including agency shop and wage increases.