CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Nine of the remaining Harvard students on a hunger strike who were seeking better wages and working conditions for university security guards ended their fasts May 14.
On May 3, 11 students began their hunger strike to lobby for better wages and healthcare, and a fairer discipline process for Harvard’s contracted security officers. According to a The Tech report, the security officers make roughly $12.62 an hour, while university staff starts at $14.40 an hour. Harvard has had policy in place since 2002 ensuring contract workers receive compensation comparable to university employees.
The strike, however, ended after university officials agreed to “two key student demands.” Additionally, an audit will be conducted this week to review the guards’ wages and benefits.
The end of the hunger strike comes six days after Javier Castro, a 19-year-old student, was hospitalized May 8. Castro began fasting May 3 and was hospitalized five days later with low levels of sodium. The Harvard sophomore insisted he would go against doctor recommendation and continue his fast despite his condition.
Students also marched on campus, put together a petition, and met with university officials to voice their concerns.
