CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Harvard University’s security guards have overwhelmingly approved a new labor contract.
The move led to the officers’ union SEIU Local 615 calling off planned civil disobedience and picket lines during the school’s graduation ceremonies. According to a union activist, 48 people had planned to participate in disruptive activities June 6 and 7.
Previously during contract negotiations, several students staged a hunger strike in support of the guards.
The new contract with AlliedBarton will include an increase of at least $1.68 per hour. Currently, the hourly wage is $12.68. Additional pay increases will be awarded to security officers who receive more training.
The guards had demanded equal pay with other Harvard service workers, some of whom make $5 more per hour than the security officers.
