Dear Harvard College Parents and Families,

I write to make you aware of a communication shared with your student today regarding the Harvard Graduate Students Union-United Auto Workers (HGSU-UAW) and the potential for a strike event. Although the scope and length of a strike by the student workers of HGSU-UAW is unknown, the University is taking steps to anticipate and mitigate its impact on the academic program.

If you have questions, I encourage you to view the University provided updates on negotiations and strike preparation online at: https://studentunionization.harvard.edu. You can find more student-specific questions and resources, along with information on which student worker positions are members of the HGSU-UAW bargaining unit, here. 

Warmly,

Rakesh Khurana
Danoff Dean of Harvard College

Dear Harvard College Students,

As you are likely aware, the Harvard Graduate Students Union-United Auto Workers (HGSU-UAW) passed a Strike Authorization Vote (SAV) on Friday, October 25 and has now set a deadline, indicating they will go on strike if an agreement is not reached with the University by December 3.

Harvard University is taking the possibility of a strike seriously. While we recognize the right to strike, it is also important College take steps to minimize any negative impact a strike may have on your ability to complete courses and research this semester. Faculty and staff have undertaken contingency planning in order to preserve the continuity of our teaching and research activities. In the event of a strike on or after December 3, your course leaders will communicate directly with you about any changes to courses or other academic activities. If you have questions about your own academic work, you should contact your course faculty or research advisor directly for more information.

The University will continue to provide updates on negotiations and strike preparation online at https://studentunionization.harvard.edu. You can also find answers to student-specific questions from the HGSU-UAW bargaining unit, here.

Information for students who participate in a strike

All students are responsible for meeting the requirements of their academic program. While HGSU-UAW members have the right to strike, student workers who are striking should be in touch with their faculty members and their advisors. Students who are not members of the HGSU-UAW also have a right to decide how they may choose to support the strike.

I want to acknowledge that many of our students and community members care deeply about the issues being negotiated. Please be assured that we want to respect each of your views regarding the strike, while at the same time remaining committed to supporting your academic progress. 

Warmly,

Rakesh Khurana
Danoff Dean of Harvard College