March 13, 2026 Update on HGSU-UAW Negotiations

Dear Members of the Harvard Faculty,

We are writing with an update regarding the ongoing negotiations for a successor contract between the University and the Harvard Graduate Student Union-United Auto Workers (HGSU-UAW). As we have continued to negotiate in good faith over the past several months, we have been guided by our commitment to recognize and respect the important contributions of our student workers to research, teaching, and mentoring while also preserving 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.

Status of Negotiations
Negotiations began in March 2025 and over the last year we have held 20 bargaining sessions, with more scheduled throughout the spring. Despite progress made at these sessions, the HGSU-UAW earlier this month opened a strike authorization vote (SAV) to its members. It is important to note that this vote does not initiate a strike but, if successful, authorizes the Union’s bargaining team to call a strike at any time.

We write today to share guidance with faculty about how to communicate with student workers in light of the SAV, and to provide information about strike contingency planning, which is already underway at all Schools. We remain committed to reaching a reasonable and mutually agreeable collective bargaining agreement with HGSU-UAW. However, if the union initiates a strike, we also have a responsibility to maintain continuity in teaching, learning, and research for our students, faculty, and other researchers.

Resources
The academic unionization website will be updated regularly with the University’s proposals, updates on negotiations, guidance on preparing for a possible strike, and information on communicating with student workers. The website also includes information intended to help you think specifically about the impact of a potential work disruption on your courses, your students, your research, and the ongoing operation of your units. Local planning and guidance in the event of a strike will be provided by your School or unit.

HGSU-UAW members play a vital role in fulfilling Harvard’s teaching and research mission. With appreciation for that role and the work they do, we remain committed to bargaining in good faith and reaching an agreement.

Sincerely,

Jessica Soban
Deputy Provost

Paul Curran
Managing Director, Labor and Employee Relations