Union Contracts

Harvard University has a rich history of collective bargaining with the unions representing its employees. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Labor Relations Commission first certified employee bargaining units at Harvard in 1938. These initial units included house maids, caretakers and janitors, maintenance department employees, operating engineers, kitchen staff and waitresses, press and bindery employees, athletic employees, and, police officers.

Today, there are over 6,000 unionized Harvard employees represented by the following unions:

Area Trades Council (ATC)

The current ATC contract extends through December 7, 2026.

  • ATC is comprised of the following unions:
    • IOUE Local 877
    • IBEW Local 103
    • Plumbers & Gasfitters No. 12
    • NERCC Local 51

Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers (HUCTW)

HUCTW Agreement and HUCTW Personnel Manual extend through June 30, 2026.

Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union (HEREIU), Local 26

The current HEREIU contract extends through June 19, 2026.  HEREIU contract - Spanish (Español)

Service Employees' International Union (SEIU), Local 32BJ (Custodians)

The current SEIU, Local 32BJ contract extends through November 15, 2025; in SEIU, Local 32BJ - English; SEIU, Local 32BJ - Spanish (Español)

Harvard University Police Association (HUPA)

The current HUPA contract extends through November 30, 2025.

Service Employees' International Union (SEIU), Local 615 (Arboretum Employees)

The current SEIU, Local 615 contract extends through November 15, 2027.

Harvard University Graduate Students - United Auto Workers (HGSU - UAW) Local 5118 

HGSU-UAW Agreement (through June 30, 2025).