Harvard Graduate Students Union (HGSU-UAW)
The University appreciates the vital role that our student workers play in fulfilling Harvard’s teaching and research mission. Across Harvard, student workers make essential contributions to research, teaching, and mentoring. As negotiations over a new union contract proceed, we are committed to addressing the concerns that have been raised and will continue to provide information, resources, and guidance as the collective bargaining process advances.
In the negotiations with HGSU-UAW, as we recognize and respect the the contributions of student workers, we also need to preserve the integrity of our academic mission, our faculty’s academic freedom in teaching and research, and the rights and educational opportunities of all our students. Our experience since the ratification of the 2020 and 2021 contracts with HGSU-UAW makes clear that those values can coexist in a thriving academic community. We believe that through ongoing good faith efforts of HGSU-UAW and the University, we can reach a reasonable, mutually agreeable resolution that enables our students to thrive.
Updates
HGSU-UAW Strike Ends
The University has been notified by HGSU-UAW leadership that members of the union voted to unconditionally end their strike.
HGSU-UAW Bargaining Update
The University and HGSU-UAW continue discussions at the bargaining table, even as the union’s strike is ongoing. Here is an update coming out of the April 28, 2026 bargaining session.
Guidance for Distinction Between Academic Activities and Labor
As we navigate a strike by student workers of the Harvard Graduate Students Union – United Auto Workers, we are writing to provide clarity on the distinction between a graduate student’s “Labor” (employment) and their “Academics” (student status) as it relates to research assistantships.
Update on HGSU-UAW Negotiations and Strike Deadline
Last Friday, the University received notification that the Harvard Graduate Students Union-United Auto Workers (HGSU-UAW) set a strike deadline of 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 20. In light of this deadline, we write to share an update on contract negotiations, as well as ongoing planning for a possible strike.
Update on HGSU-UAW Negotiations
We are writing with an update regarding the ongoing negotiations for a successor contract between the University and the Harvard Graduate Students Union-United Auto Workers (HGSU-UAW).
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below provide background on the negotiations, information on processes, and guidance for preparing for a possible work disruption.
Who are the members of the Harvard Graduate Students Union – United Auto Workers (HGSU-UAW)?
The HGSU-UAW bargaining unit has approximately 3900 student workers holding 4900 positions across the University. The Union membership consists of students who are enrolled in Harvard degree programs employed by the University who provide instructional services or serve as graduate research assistants. Other roles included in the Union are teaching fellows, Division of Continuing Education teaching assistants, and course assistants.
What is the University’s approach to negotiations?
Across Harvard, student workers contribute to excellence in research, teaching, and mentoring. The University is committed to addressing the concerns raised during these negotiations while also taking care to preserve the integrity of our academic mission, our faculty’s academic freedom in teaching and research, and the shared rights and educational opportunities of all our students. We believe the ongoing good faith efforts of HGSU-UAW and the University can lead to a reasonable agreement that enables all our students to thrive.
What is the status of negotiations with HGSU-UAW and the timeline for meetings?
The teams have met regularly since negotiations began in March 2025. 27 collective bargaining sessions have been held as of Thursday, May 21, 2026, with more scheduled in June.
Despite progress at these sessions, HGSU-UAW members approved a strike authorization vote in late March 2026. The approval of the SAV does not initiate a strike, but does permit the Union’s bargaining team to call a strike at any time. The University remains committed both to bargaining in good faith and to maintaining continuity of teaching, learning, and research.
Why is the University engaged in contingency planning for a strike?
As noted, the University is committed to bargaining in good faith to reach a reasonable and mutually agreeable contract. The University also has a responsibility to maintain the continuity of teaching, learning, and research in the event of a strike. To that end, the Office of Undergraduate Education will share specific contingency planning guidance in the coming days. If Faculty or Department Administrators have questions, please contact OUE.
Will a strike impact class sessions for university students?
If a strike occurs, faculty should take necessary steps to maintain the continuity of teaching, learning, and research. Schools will provide updates during any disruption on campus.
How will the Harvard community be notified if classes are not meeting?
The University expects that classes will continue to meet. Sometimes, the University will not have advance notice that a class cannot be held as scheduled. Once the need to modify the schedule or otherwise modify the session is known, individual schools or course heads should provide guidance to students as soon as possible.
Can I ask student workers about their strike plans?
Under existing labor standards, faculty supervise student workers and should not question them about their strike activities. For example, faculty may not ask them whether they are going to strike, who else is going to strike, how many student workers are supporting the strike, what the level of support for the strike is, or how long it will last.
Once a strike has begun, faculty may ask student workers whether they plan to continue working. These communications must comply with the National Labor Relations Act and NLRB guidelines. A supervisor asking a student worker about their work plans must do the following:
- Specifically tell the student worker that they are free not to answer the question posed and that their response is strictly voluntary.
- Tell the student worker the purpose of the question. For example, “In order to plan for the course to which you are assigned, and to make sure the class is covered, I would like to know if you will be carrying out that assignment.”
- Specifically assure the student worker that no reprisals will be taken against them if they refuse to answer the question or if they participate in the strike.
Faculty should be careful not to otherwise question the student worker about the strike itself or to expand the conversation beyond the particular question posed. Faculty may also check themselves or ask student workers about whether sections/planned reviews are being held or whether lab assignments have been addressed.
Can I encourage or discourage student workers from going on strike?
Faculty may not coerce or otherwise advise students on whether to participate in a strike.
Can I remind striking student workers about their academic responsibilities?
Yes. Supervisors, including faculty, may not threaten any student workers with adverse employment consequences if they do go on strike. They may, however, remind student workers, where appropriate, of their separate academic requirements and responsibilities. The University has shared additional guidance related to the distinction between academic activities and labor.
Can a union member choose to work instead of strike?
Yes. The decision to participate in a strike or not is up to each individual unionized student worker.
Have HGSU-UAW members received communication from the University?
Yes, HGSU-UAW members received an email from the University on Monday, April 2026 providing guidance on how to report "time at own expense" in Peoplesoft, should they decide to participate in the strike. Students were asked to email academic_unionization_admin@harvard.edu with questions.
If a union member withholds work during the strike, what options do I have for covering the work?
The University has a responsibility to students to maintain the continuity of teaching, learning, and research. Faculty and managers should determine how to provide continuity for their individual courses or units. That may include inviting guest lecturers or covering lectures themselves.
Is it permissible for faculty to perform functions assigned to striking teaching fellows?
Yes. The University has an obligation to ensure that the teaching mission is fulfilled. There are no restrictions on performing the work that is needed to cover course material.
If a strike occurs, may I make adjustments to assignments, course meetings, or course requirements?
Yes. Faculty should exercise their pedagogical judgment to make any necessary adjustments, always with the interests of students in mind. Such adjustments could include: reducing the number of independent assessments, having students work in pairs on assignments, or automating some forms of assessment (e.g. multiple choice). Faculty are encouraged to consult with resources in their School to learn more about possible adjustments.
How should I plan to support my teaching and research in the event of a strike?
Once a strike begins, faculty should update their students in their classes about academic expectations using their usual channels of communication (e.g., my.harvard, Canvas, meetings, email lists, etc.). Faculty may also want to identify priority grading needs (e.g., grades needed for graduate school or fellowship application deadlines).
Will striking student workers be paid?
Striking student workers are not entitled to pay for time not worked. Additionally, student workers who are typically paid from sponsored funds must not be paid from sponsored funds for time that they are not working. Student workers will be asked by the University whether they withheld work during a strike. If the work withheld relates to any grant funding, the University will adjust any related charges to the grants accordingly.
How should faculty address student work paid for by sponsored funds?
Harvard University is required to comply with certain federal regulations for certifying effort expended on sponsored awards. Student workers will not be paid from sponsored funds for any time that they are not working. Many factors, including the length of any strike and the amount of work missed, will determine what adjustments, if any, the University must make to meet its obligations relating to sponsored research.
What should I do about assessments and grades?
Faculty should consider the following questions related to assessments and grades: Have students submitted enough work to be assessed on work completed to date? How can I adjust the format of my final exam if necessary? Prior to an announced strike date, faculty should confirm that they have information needed to assign final grades, including up-to-date grading sheets, section and participation attendance records, and other assessments. Faculty who have difficulty obtaining relevant information from a student worker before the strike should contact their Academic Dean for further guidance.
Should I prioritize grading for students who are soon to graduate?
In the event of a strike, faculty may want to grade students scheduled to graduate this semester first, before working on grades for other students. Please work with your registrar to identify them. In the event of a lengthy strike, assessments for other students may be placed in queue for when instructional staff return or alternative arrangements can be made.
How should I consider differing views and actions related to a strike?
The University respects the right of all community members to express their opinion. Absence from class or failure to meet course requirements, however, is not excused for participation in a labor action. The University-Wide Statement on Rights and Responsibilities provides helpful guidance.
Bargaining Positions
Expanded Access to Student Benefits
To provide consistent, equitable access regardless of worker status, the University has expanded access to various student benefits.
Understanding HGSU-UAW Compensation and Benefits
This page provides background information on PhD student compensation and benefits, as well as the current University proposal.
University Position on Non-Discrimination and Harassment Policies and Procedures
This page provides information about the University's position on contract language related to non-discrimination, harassment, and anti-bullying processes.
Bargaining Proposals (Contract Language)
The documents posted below reflect the most recent University proposals on articles under discussion. Please check back frequently for updates to the proposals as negotiations continue.
This page was last updated on April 28, 2026
At the bargaining session on Thursday, May 21, 2026, the University updated its full package proposal. A full package proposal is the entire collective bargaining agreement, inclusive of all articles, that the University proposes to HGSU-UAW for agreement.
This full package proposal document can be found at this link: Proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement - 5.21.26.
- University Proposal - Leave Provision 11-07-2025 (Proposal reflects current contract language. University proposes maintaining same language in successor contract.)
Resources
Appointment letters
- Employment Appointment Letter for HGSU-UAW Student Worker Instructional Support
- Employment Appointment Letter for HGSU-UAW Student Worker Research Assistant
Remote work requests
Other resources
To learn about University-wide resources that support all students, visit Student Affairs’ Resources page, as well as Retreats and Quiet Places on campus and Gender Inclusive Restroom Mapping Project.