Demanding Harvard University come to the bargaining table.

WHEREAS: The Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers (HUCTW) has been without a contract since October 1, 2022, despite many months of negotiation; and WHEREAS: Members of the HUCTW, including those that living in the city of Somerville, have had to endure drastic increases to their cost of living increases and overall dramatic rates of inflation since the pandemic; and WHEREAS: The major impediment to contract ratification has been Harvard University's refusal to engage with HUCTW's need to have a deal that takes into consideration the economic hardships of their members and the current rates of inflation; and WHEREAS: Harvard University has sent out provocative emails to their staff, managers, and faculty emails that pressure the union to make a deal that will "allow Harvard University to maintain its competitive edge in the market;" and WHEREAS: Harvard University is the wealthiest institution of higher learning in the world, with endowment of more than $50 billion; and WHEREAS: Earlier this month, Harvard University received an unrestricted donation of $300 million from hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin; and WHEREAS: Harvard University has a responsibility to invest its substantial financial resources into the economic stability and sustainability of its unionized workers who are vital contributors to the University's success; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council supports the demands of HUCTW and urges Harvard University in the strongest possible terms to engage in good faith with the economic needs of their members.