Harvard University trustees have overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year contract with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 32BJ, ending nearly six months of contentious negotiations. Harvard Crimson. The agreement includes the largest wage increase for Harvard custodians in twenty years, an endorsement bonus, fully funded health care benefits, and protections for workers affected by immigration enforcement. The ratification vote took place at multiple campus sites, including Harvard Yard and the Graduate School, union officials reported. The agreement marks a major milestone for campus workers and ends a period that included strikes, federal arbitration, and extensive involvement by union members.
Streamlined authentication process across the campus
Voting for the contract took place by paper ballot at workplaces throughout the Harvard system, with polling stations open Monday and Tuesday from dawn to dusk. Union leaders, following longstanding policy, did not release exact vote totals or percentages. Kevin Brown, executive vice president of 32BJ, said the process went “very smoothly,” with members excited to participate in union democracy. Shop stewards, who act as mediators between leadership and rank-and-file members, play a key role in defining contract details during the voting process and will continue to guide members after the contract is implemented.
Important terms of the contract
According to Harvard Crimsoncustodians will receive a $500 confirmation bonus, about half of the $1,000 initially proposed by Harvard in February. More notably, the agreement provides for a $4 hourly wage increase over four years, increasing pay from $28.68 in 2026 to $32.68 by 2029, the largest pay increase in two decades. Health care benefits remain fully funded, a top priority for the union, even as health plan costs rise. These provisions reflect a commitment to worker safety and long-term stability for security personnel on Harvard’s campuses.
Immigration Protections and Legal Provisions
The agreement also introduces new immigration enforcement language, which ensures protections for workers removed from jobs by authorities. While earlier proposals by the union included access to immigration lawyers and the creation of a legal defense fund, these were not included in the final agreement. Brown emphasized that ensuring Harvard’s compliance with immigration conditions will be a focus during implementation, highlighting the union’s ongoing commitment to workers’ rights and protections.
Challenges during negotiations
The bargaining period lasted about six months and included a two-day strike and the involvement of a federal mediator. Harvard Crimson. The negotiation process was described as “tumultuous” by union leaders, but strong support from Harvard students and the broader campus community was instrumental in securing the final agreement. Brown noted that community support “made a huge difference in us being able to achieve this remarkable agreement.”
Moving on.
With the ratification complete, the union and Harvard supervisors are now focused on enforcing the terms of the contract, ensuring wage increases, bonus payments, and the provision of health care benefits. Shop stewards will continue to act as a bridge between union leadership and members, helping clarify any questions and monitor compliance with the contract. The new contract represents a historic win for campus workers, including significant pay increases, safety benefits, and protections for vulnerable employees.
