On April 27, 2023, the Somerville City Council unanmously passed a resolution supporting HUCTW negotiations and our fight for a fair raise. The resolution was sponsored by City Councilor At-Large Willie Burley Jr. At the meeting, Councilor Burnley and other city councilors gave strong speeches supporting Harvard workers right to a fair wage and the importance of unions in the workplace.
The Council will send a copy of the resolution to Harvard leaders.
Below is the text of the resolution:
WHEREAS: The Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers (HUCTW) has been without a contract since October 1, 2022, despite many months of negotiation; and
WHEREAS: Members of the HUCTW, including those that living in the city of Somerville, have had to endure drastic increases to their cost of living increases and overall dramatic rates of inflation since the pandemic; and
WHEREAS: The major impediment to contract ratification has been Harvard University’s refusal to engage with HUCTW’s need to have a deal that takes into consideration the economic hardships of their members and the current rates of inflation; and
WHEREAS: Harvard University has sent out provocative emails to their staff, managers, and faculty emails that pressure the union to make a deal that will “allow Harvard University to maintain its competitive edge in the market;” and
WHEREAS: Harvard University is the wealthiest institution of higher learning in the world, with endowment of more than $50 billion; and
WHEREAS: Earlier this month, Harvard University received an unrestricted donation of $300 million from hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin; and
WHEREAS: Harvard University has a responsibility to invest its substantial financial resources into the economic stability and sustainability of its unionized workers who are vital contributors to the University’s success; THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council supports the demands of HUCTW and urges Harvard University in the strongest possible terms to engage in good faith with the economic needs of their members.
Thank you, Councilor Burnley and all the members of the Somerville City Council!