More than 5,000 clerical and technical workers at Harvard University benefit from having a voice on the job, especially when budget cuts threaten programs and jobs.
Members of the Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers, AFSCME Local 3650, say having a union contract has led to higher pay, more security and a happier workforce.
“If Harvard did not have its workers, the institution would not be as prestigious and as great as it is,” said Tasha Williams, a staff assistant in the Human Resources office, and a member of Local 3650. “That’s what being in a union does. It makes us stronger together.”
Danielle Boudreau, a program manager for the Women and Public Policy Program at Harvard and member of Local 3650, said the workers are the force that runs the Ivy League institution.
“You can love working in higher education and you can see you still need a union to advocate for your wages and your benefits and, frankly, your happiness at work,” Boudreau said.
As federal budget cuts target colleges and universities, AFSCME members say they feel more protected with a contract.
“Our union has been able to win tremendous protections against layoffs through many rounds of negotiations over the years,” said Simone Gonzalez, a development assistant and a member of Local 3650.
Katie Genovese, an academic adviser, said AFSCME workers are key to student success, citing a student who thanked her during commencement for encouraging her not to give up on her studies.
“It’s important for us as workers in higher education to have a union because no one can do anything alone,” said Ben Janey, a production services coordinator. “Prestige, fame and renown and everything else is great and it is wonderful; however, it doesn’t pay the bills. Members still need to pay rent, they still need to pay their bills.”
