Kamal Ghorui
Harvard University custodians have overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year contract with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 32BJ, concluding nearly six months of contentious negotiations, according to The Harvard Crimson. The agreement includes the largest wage increase for Harvard custodians in twenty years, along with a ratification bonus, fully funded healthcare benefits, and protections for workers affected by immigration enforcement. The ratification vote took place across multiple campus sites, including Harvard Yard and graduate schools, with strong participation reported by union officials. The contract marks a significant milestone for campus workers and concludes a period that involved strikes, federal mediation, and extensive union-member engagement.
Smooth ratification process across campus
Voting for the contract occurred via paper ballots at worksites throughout the Harvard system, with polling stations open from morning through evening on Monday and Tuesday. 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 enthusiastic about participating in union democracy. Shop stewards, who act as intermediaries between leadership and rank-and-file members, played a key role in explaining the contract details during the voting process and will continue to guide members as the agreement is implemented.
Major terms of the agreement
According to The Harvard Crimson, custodians will receive a $500 ratification bonus, roughly half of the $1,000 initially proposed by Harvard in February. More notably, the contract provides a $4 hourly wage increase over four years, raising pay from $28.68 in 2026 to $32.68 by 2029, the largest pay increase in two decades. Healthcare benefits remain fully funded, a core priority for the union, even as costs for the health plan rise. These provisions reflect a commitment to worker security and long-term stability for custodial staff across Harvard’s campuses.
Immigration protections and legal provisions
The contract also introduces new language on immigration enforcement, ensuring safeguards for workers removed from their jobs by authorities. While earlier proposals from 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 complies with the immigration provisions will be a focus during implementation, highlighting the union’s ongoing commitment to worker rights and protections.
Challenges during negotiation
The bargaining period spanned nearly six months and included a two-day strike and involvement of a federal mediator, according to The Harvard Crimson. The negotiation process was described as “tumultuous” by union leaders, but strong support from Harvard students and the broader campus community played an important role in achieving the final agreement. Brown noted that community backing “made a huge difference in us being able to achieve this remarkable agreement.”
Moving forward
With the ratification complete, the union and Harvard custodians are now focused on implementing the contract terms, ensuring wage increases, bonus payments, and healthcare benefits are delivered as agreed. Shop stewards will continue to serve as the bridge between union leadership and members, helping to clarify any questions and monitor compliance with the agreement. The new contract represents a historic win for campus workers, combining significant pay raises, benefits security, and protections for vulnerable employees.
