We know that recent federal government policy announcements—including those around NIH research funding, transgender rights, immigration and citizenship, DEI programming, and other potential policy changes to come—are causing anxiety and uncertainty among many HUCTW members and friends in the Harvard community.

There are still many unknowns about what the changes mean, how they will be enforced or applied, and, of course, how they will affect staff and the workplace. However, we want to assure you that HUCTW leaders are committed to advocating for and supporting all of our members—regardless of what policy changes lie ahead, and regardless of any given member’s race, religion, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, country of origin, immigration status, or political views.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of your union organizers if you want discuss your concerns or anything you’ve heard from a colleague or supervisor around how recent policy changes may affect you and your working life.

Additionally, if you feel you have experienced or witnessed harassment or discrimination of any kind in the workplace, please also reach out to us.

Anything you share with an HUCTW organizer or leader is confidential. Our contact information is below.

To date, most of the questions we’ve received from members regarding federal policy changes are around HUCTW job protections and layoff benefits due to concerns around NIH funding cuts. The Harvard-HUCTW contract provides many strong protections for union members, particularly around layoff prevention and support.

When considering changes that would have a negative impact on any HUCTW member’s employment, the University is required to negotiate with the Union before finalizing any plans, to provide detailed information around the basis for any proposed changes, and to allow for the development and discussion of alternative proposals to prevent job loss. Our contract says that Harvard must work together with HUCTW to make “every effort to ensure the security of employment.” 
 
In situations when layoffs do occur, our negotiated Work Security Program provides members with full pay and benefits for typically five but up to eight months after notification, as well as job search support, while members look for a new position.  These policies apply to members in permanent positions, in term positions that last for more than two years, and in term positions of any length (even under two years) that end before the date specified in a member’s original job offer letter.

You can read more about these negotiated policies and benefits on our website.

Again, please contact us if you’d like to discuss anything above, or any other workplace issues. All discussions are confidential. If you are uncertain of who your HUCTW organizers are, you can email us at huctw.info@huctw.org or call us at 617-661-8289 and we will connect you with them.