Harvard University Janitors Vote to Ratify New Contract Agreement

PHOTO: Harvard University Janitors rally on campus during contract bargaining. CREDIT: Kelly Creedon

Last week, janitors employed and contracted by Harvard University overwhelmingly voted in support of a ratified a five-year contract that will improve jobs on campus and provide students and faculty with a stable, reliable workforce.

The contract will raise wages, keep affordable health care, and provide all contracted workers with the same benefits as direct employees. Harvard will also commit to providing better job security, with the goal that 70 percent of employees will be full-time employees and to eliminate split shifts without reducing workers' hours.

Over 700 contracted workers will now also benefit from educational and childcare opportunities through the university. As part of the agreement, direct and contracted workers will be able to take part in a Tuition Assistance Program to pursue an undergraduate degree or take courses at Harvard Extension School for a discounted rate. Employees may also take part in a groundbreaking childcare allowance fund, which helps them pay for the cost of day care for their children up to $5,000 per year.

"In the end we got something good for everybody," said Harvard janitor Jean-Claude Mondesir. "To me, the biggest thing of all was winning parity for all contracted workers. It covers everyone, not just custodians, but also security guards and kitchen crews. This is one Harvard and we are one union."

PHOTO: SEIU President Mary Kay Henry stands with Harvard University students in support of university janitors. CREDIT: Kelly Creedon

Students on campus came out in support of the janitors during the push for a good contract, including Harvard SLAM students, a labor action committee comprised of students dedicated to promoting an equitable community, as well as Occupy Harvard, a new branch of the national Occupy movement, which advocates for the rights of the 99%.

"The agreement we reached with Harvard is an example of how our institutions and workers can work together to begin to close the income gap and raise standards for all workers," said President of SEIU Local 615, Rocio Saenz. "With the help of the students at Harvard, janitors were able to close the gap between the rich and the poor, a success that should be nationally replicated."

For more details on the contract, you can read the press release from SEIU Local 615 here.