Week 1 of Harvard's Grad Student Strike

Harvard’s graduate student union went on strike last week on the final day of fall classes. One week later, pickets continue across campus with no end in sight yet. The union announced their decision to strike last month, days after members overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike. The union and the University have met for 28 bargaining sessions since October 2018 and tentatively agreed on 12 contract provisions. Differences on key issues, however, remain: They have yet to find common ground on health care, compensation, and a procedure to adjudicate sexual harassment and discrimination complaints. The strike has already impacted University operations — several classes had to reduce hours allocated to review sessions and some had to move classes out of Harvard Yard. In addition, some deliveries were disrupted across campus last week as picketers stood in front of loading docks and asked drivers to not deliver their goods.

Ethnic Studies Banner

Students hold an Ethnic Studies sign outside Widener Library during a rally on Friday.

Day 2

Picket Line Sign

Strike Wednesday evening

Day 3

Ethnic Studies Rally at Widener Library

Students protested in front of Widener Library calling on Harvard to increase the number of Ethnic Studies faculty and to formalize the academic program.

Dec. 3 Gallery 4

Members of Harvard Graduate Students Union-United Automobile Workers marched past the John Harvard statue bearing buckets and UAW signs.

Dec. 3 Gallery 3

Picketers marched around the yard, passing academic buildings including Sever Hall.

Ethnic Studies Protestor

Advocates for a formalized Ethnic Studies program at Harvard rallied in front of Widener Library.