As you hopefully know, last month Harvard leaders allocated $250 million from central reserves to assist Harvard schools that are facing federal research funding cuts. Harvard has distributed the funds among the schools, and the schools are now in the process of determining how to use their portion to help support critical research for a limited time, as researchers look for alternative funding and Harvard’s lawsuits against the federal government unfold in the coming months.

We are glad that Harvard has provided this assistance to the schools—HUCTW and other Harvard affiliates have been urging the University to draw on its reserves to continue to fund research (and therefore jobs), and this is a significant step. However, federal funding cuts and other government attacks still remain a threat to our jobs and we are continuing to push Harvard leaders to use all available resources and explore all avenues to preserve HUCTW member employment.

Important Rights and Resources

Job Recall Rights: In light of Harvard’s pending lawsuits and the University’s search for alternative research funding, members have come to us with questions about what happens if they are laid off from their job due to funding cuts, but then later funding is restored, and their job is reposted. If a laid-off HUCTW member’s job is reposted on the Harvard jobs site, Harvard has an obligation for a certain period of time to reinstate that member into their job. If an HUCTW member in a permanent job (or a term position lasting more than two years) is laid off, Harvard has an obligation to reinstate them if that member’s job is reposted within the two years following the layoff. If a member is in a term position of two years or less and their position is not extended beyond two years, Harvard has an obligation to reinstate that member if their job is reposted within the six months following the position end date.

Layoff Benefits: We continue to receive many questions about the benefits and support available to laid off HUCTW members, so we want to remind all members about our negotiated Work Security Program, which provides laid-off union members with full pay and benefits for typically five (but possibly up to eight) months after the date of notification, as well as job search support. Laid-off members in permanent positions (or in term positions that last over two years) are eligible for Work Security. This program is only available to HUCTW members and is separate from severance.

Immigration Issues: We are outraged by the government’s systematic assault on immigrants and international visitors, including those among the Harvard staff and student populations. We want to remind staff and others facing immigration issues that the Harvard Representation Initiative (HRI) offers confidential pro bono legal immigration consultation and representation in English and Spanish to members of the Harvard community who are concerned about their immigration status. Call or email to schedule a consultation: (617) 495-6648, hri@law.harvard.edu,  https://harvardimmigrationclinic.org/hri/

Nationwide “No Kings Day” Rallies on June 14

This Saturday, June 14, people across the country will rally to continue the fight against the Trump administration’s reckless attacks on our freedoms, economic stability, healthcare, universities, social safety net, and the rights of our trans and immigrant neighbors. Join your fellow HUCTW members and leaders on Saturday to defend our communities, protect our rights, and reject autocracy.

Attend a rally in Boston in Copley Square, 11am-3pm:
https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/784589/

Or find a rally near you across the country:
https://www.nokings.org/#map

We know this continues to be a stressful and uncertain time. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you would like to speak to an HUCTW organizer confidentially: huctw.info@huctw.org